Go Rogue! Choosing The Best Rogue Bar For Your Garage Gym

Rogue barbells, possibly one of my favorites when it comes to getting the most out my lifting routine. Rogue have been party to one of the biggest lineups of gym equipment manufacturing in recent times. And their barbell lineup has been pretty extensive and shown great performance.

In this article, you can get hands-on details about what kind of rogue bar are available and their features.(Make Sure You Read Our : Olympic Collars Guide Review)

Rogue Fitness

Immense collection and variety of branded and best barbells are provided by Rogue Fitness. Of course, you might have a tough time in figuring out the bar that is perfect for you. Staring at the product pages, comparing the numbers, checking out the reviews for hours, will provide a head-start on what you are looking for in a barbell. However, when you are about to decide; Rogue adds some new products to their line-up, removes some from the shelf and updates the current ones by slapping a newer version.

So, how can you choose the right Rogue bar? Are you thinking of purchasing among the latest additions? Are you on the lookout of the one with updated bar? Are you going to buy the one your friend or colleague recommended? Do you think there is any difference between the various ones available in the market?

Almost all the Rogue bars vary in a way or the other. Well, the bright news is these differences in terms of features, size, etc are small and most of these differences are aesthetic. Furthermore, the recent emergence with regard of the brand new steel used in bar shafts by Rogue, there are no physical changes among the bar. Nowadays, Rogue does not sell bars which have got many functional differences.

By the time you read this article, you can narrow down your choices maybe to one or two. In the end, the final conclusion will be related to aesthetic.

New Steel – Making Rogue Bars Durable And Robust

Recently, an update was made at the Rogue headquarters and this has made it easier for individuals in choosing the correct bar. After taking into account the customer feedback and various researches, Keeping this in mind, the Rogue though of simplifying its barbell manufacturing procedures and use the one for the US-created 190,000 PSI steel, which is used for making the shafts related to bars.

From the time, the decision was taken; Rogue systematically upgraded and eliminated its entire bar which previously didn’t have any kind of shaft greater or equal to this brand new 190,000 PSI steel. Now, instead of being all around the chart from 135,000 PSI steel for this bar to somewhat about 205,000 PSI steel (and it even consist of everything that is in between), all the bar that are currently made are 190,000 PSI steel shaft (here it excludes the power bars for time being).

So, this change can easily remove the overwhelming aspect involving in selecting the bar among the ones available online (if Rogue bars are one of the current aspects of the equation). To have an idea on how this works out so far, you can think about the recent upgrade which The Bella and The Rogue had got. Without any increase in the price, these bars went from getting the 155,000 PSI shaft to roughly 190,000 PSI shafts.

Also the Ohio Bar got the same upgrade with regard to its shaft and that too without an increase in the price. So, whether you end up paying a modest amount for the Rogue Bar or the more expensive Burgener Bearing Bar, frankly, you are getting the same 190,000 PSI shaft.

Sometimes while reading the online reviews from other exercising machine websites or while going through the exercising manual, you may come across various terminologies related to lifting. Being new in the field of exercise and health, you might get confused. Various terms like bearings, bushings, zinc vs chrome, tensile strength, and so forth might sound all Greek to you. In such case, it is important that you read various online articles about exercising machines and exercises, so that you can have a good understanding of these terminologies.

Choosing Best Rogue Bars

Which bar do you want?

But since they have a range that is so huge, you might need to read till the end of the article to get some ideas about what you might want to buy. So save yourself the extensive comparison with numbers, reviews and all that hard work and let us do the heavy lifting for you. Literally!

One of the reasons why it’s really confusing to choose a Rogue bar apart from the number of them is because they shuffle their product range on a regular basis along with extensive relabeling.

Then these are the sort of doubts that start to creep up in your mind

• How do I find the right Rogue bar for you?
• Are the newer bars better than the old bar?
• Is this significantly expensive bar worth the extra cash?
• Do I listen to my friend Jim Body and buy what he says?
• Are all this actually going to make a difference to my lifting?

Well, I’ll answer the last question for you right now – yes. Choosing the right bar can make a difference to the way you lift and sometimes end up saving a lot of money in the long run as well.

While most of the Rogue bars are different from one another a comforting fact is that there isn’t that much of a variance between them so you can’t go too wrong when you choose a bar for yourself. But when you go in-depth, there are a lot of things that needs looking into. Recently, they’ve even upgraded the kind of steel they use so their bars are even more resilient now.

But I can definitely tell you one thing, by the time you are done with this article, you will definitely have narrowed it down to one or two bars out of the whole expansive range out there.

Here, the various kinds of Rogue bars are separated into 4 major categories related on the intended applications along with opting for specific features relate to the bars. Besides the women’s category, all the Rogue bars given in this list belong to 20 kg, 2.2 m barbells and are as follows –

Women’s 15 Kg Bars

• Women’s Olympic WL Bar
• The Bella Bar 2.0

General and CrossFit Strength Training Bars

• Ohio Bar
• The Rogue Bar 2.0
• Froning Bushing Bar
• Rogue Castro Bar
• Rogue Chan Bar
• Rogue Operator 2.0

True 28 mm Olympic Weightlifting Bars

• Olympic WL Bar
• 28mm Olympic Training Bar
• Euro Olympic WL Bar
• Burgener Bearing Bar
• Froning Bearing Bar

Powerlifting Bars

• Rogue Power Bar
• Ohio Power Bar
• Westside Power Bar 2.0
• Westside Power Bar
• Econ Westside Power Bar

Now once you have chosen the category that is apt for the intended application, then you have the option to refine your choice further by various attributes like finish, price, depth, knurl, cosmetics and other major features. Once you have chosen a bar, either you can go with that bar or start the process new through the comparison of your choices with the bar’s of other manufacturers until you get the perfect bar.

Rogue Bars For CrossFit

It is clear that Rogue has one of the biggest markets, and most of its multi-purpose bars which are made with CrossFit in mind. The Rogue bars of this category are twenty kg and 190,000 PSI bushing bar having 28.5 mm shafts.

These are marked for Olympic/Power lifting, have got either no passive or center knurling and on an average got proper knurl depth (here it is with exception of the Chan Bar).

Rogue Bar 2.0

The updated Rogue Bar 2.0 is in black color and is a zinc bar having bright zinc sleeves. Two major aspects make it different from others. The first one is,usage of new composite, self-lubricating bushings instead of the bronze. Second is, user can easily customize the physical image of the bar by using rubber bands of bright and varying color which is available in the machined grooves of the collars.

Frankly, this can be considered as one of the awesome and good priced bars available in the market. Plus it is one of the clear alternative of Ohio Bar’s oxide and zinc versions. Priced at reasonably, most of the online dealers and users have given it a five star review and rating.

Summation

The knurling of the Rogue Bar 2.0 is average and the whip is normal as well as average. Its loadable sleeve measurement is about 16.4” and one of the distinctive features is the presences of self-lubricating bushings (composite) instead of the bronze one. Some feel that the composite bushings produce more noise than the bronze bushing, and it has got machined groove for customization in terms of the bar. This bar is manufactured in Ohio and is available on most of the online websites.

Ohio Bar

Being a flagship bar of Rogue, the Ohio Bar is one of the first bars to be manufactured as a whole at the headquarters of Rogue in Ohio. With regard to uniqueness, you don’t find anything special besides the fact that you can buy it with one of the satin hard chrome finish.

From the time, this bar was introduced into the market, the purchase of Ohio bar in zinc finish has reduced. People opt for Rogue Bar 2.0 as it is has better features. Also the prices may vary per the finish.

Summation

The knurling of the Ohio Bar is average as well as moderate. The whip is normal and 16.4” is the loadable sleeve length. Compared to the Rogue Bar, this is quieter and you can get it in Satin Chrome. Also this provides a high amount of security from oxidation. It is manufactured in Ohio.

Rogue Castro Bar

This is a simple and best bare steel Ohio Bar. Here, bare steel means it has got no finish, so this equipment will require the major maintenance (2-in-1 oil) compared to other bars present in the given category. Some might like the feeling of the bare steel bar, and never think of it as huge burden. However, most people might not be happy or excited in cleaning the bar weekly. It is interesting to know that some of the proceeding of sales of this bar is provided to the family members and children of the two fallen Navy Seals.

Summation

The knurling of the Castro Bar is similar to other bars which are available online and falls under the category of being average as well as moderate. The whip is average as well as normal. Furthermore, t 16.5” of loadable sleeve length and this exercising tool has got bare steel which provides a natural feeling but one requires to constantly oil as well as brush this tool in order to prevent oxidation. The tool is manufactured in Ohio and is available on most of the online sites. In addition, a part of the sales goes for charity.

Froning Bushing Bar

Compared to the other bars, Good ol’ Rich Froning ‘s is the bad ass bar. This black on black, zinc signature bar is an Ohio bar that has got awesome looking end caps. It is the best way to display your support for Froning. This bearing bar is a bit expensive when compared to other bushing bar, since this is the only means of getting Olympic bar.

Summation

Like other bars, the Froning Bushing bar has got a moderate and average knurling. The Whip is normal and it has 16.25” as loadable sleeve length. Also it has a Froning signature end caps. Made in Ohio, this bar is available online.

Rogue Operator Bar 2.0

This is barbell which is inspired from the army has an olive drab shaft and black zinc sleeves. Even though this is cosmetically unique, but in a functional mannar, it is not different from the zinc Ohio Bar. As per Rogue, the olive coating can easily get blemish and it might make the bar look cooler. Most of the online websites sell this bar.

Summation

The knurling of the Rogue Operator is similar to other bar (i.e. moderate as well as average) and is consistent with the Ohio Bar even though it has got unique finish. Furthermore, the whip is normal and average and 16.4” loadable sleeve length. This bar has got an unique and green shaft however it is prone to get blemished. This bar is also manufactured at Ohio.

Rogue Matt Chan Bar

This is one of the unique bars among the bunch, Also this is the favorite among various exercising enthusiasts. This bar is present in two finishes – black zinc and satin chrome. Compared to the rest of the bushing bar, the knurling of the Matt Chan bar is a bit aggressive. Plus this knurling is placed a bit away from the center so that it can allow a broader and easier stance among deadlifts.

This is the only bar among the entire group having a passive and center knurling. There are zinc and chrome versions of the Chan bar priced differently of course. And most of the websites have given it a five star rating.

Summation

The knurling of the Matt Chan bar is semi-aggressive and the center knurl is passive and present. Between the outer knurling with regard to shins, the distance is increased and whip is average as well as normal. About 16.5” is the loadable sleeve length and this bar is available in Satin Chrome design, making sure that it has the highest kind of oxidation protection. Compared to other bar, this is one of the best and most versatile bar present in the CrossFit category which is made in Ohio.

Rogue Women’s 15 Kg Bars

Compared to the normal 20 kg bars, women’s bar weighs 15 kg. Instead of having the 28+ mm shaft, it has got a 25mm shaft. Currently, Rogue manufactures three women’s barbells and here two among them are explained. Rogue Silver and Black bar is left out as it is inferior and outdated compared to Bella 2.0. This particular bar is sold at a costly price compared to the Bella. Women’s bar lacks center knurling.

Bella Bar 2.0

This bar is one of the versatile CrossFit bar and even a multi-purpose bar. This Rogue bar is a true ladies version.It has the normal 190,000 PSI steel and the similar zinc coating. Besides that it is dual marked and has bronze bushings present at the sleeves and no center knurl. Just similar to the Rogue Bar, the Bella Bar is one of the mighty fine bar and is available at a great price with retailers.

Summation

The knurling of the Bella Bar 2.0 is average and moderate. The Whip is average and the total length of the bar is 79.13”. The length of the loadable sleeve is 13”and is similar to the men’s Rogue Bar 2.0. This bar is manufactured in Ohio.

Rogue Women’s Olympic WL Bar

The Rogue Olympic Women’s bar is 15 kg and 25 mm version of the men’s bar which has got the similar name. Having 190,000 PSI steel, this is suitable and marked for Olympic which have no needle bearings and center knurl present in the sleeves. Just like the name states, the Rogue Women’s bar is specially designed for Olympic lifts.

Additionally, this bar is available with the same finishing option as men’s which is satin chrome, bright zinc and polished chrome.

Summation

The knurling of the Rogue Women’s Olympic bar is mildly aggressive and it has got a high whip. The total length of the bar is 79.13” and has 13” loadable sleeve length. This is Rogue’s only women’s needle bearing bar and it is available in satin chrome, bright zinc, and polished chrome.

Rogue True 28 mm Olympic Bearing Bars

Most of the bars of this category are true 28 mm barbells. So they have minimum of 190,000 PSI rating. Basically, they are marked and commonly used for Olympic lifts.Plus, they are no center knurling. However, you can order the Olympic WL bar with center knurling if you want.

Basically, all bars are of high whip bearing and have huge aggressive knurling compared to the CrossFit/multi-purpose bars. But the 28mm Training Bar has got no bushings and lacks bearings. Frankly, these bars can be the best CrossFit bars if you are simply willing to make payment for the premium of bearings and avoid minding the excessive and aggressive knurling and higher whip.

Rogue 28 mm Olympic Training Bar

Basically, this bar is created to become one of the economical and best means for most of the intermediate Olympic athletes to comet under the best 28 mm bar. Now the bar’s shaft is very much similar to the Rogue Olympic WL Bar, however, the sleeves are assembled using a normal bushings instead of the needle bearings.

The Olympic Training bar is present in many colors like solid bright and zinc sleeves with black shaft or simply solid bright zinc. Also, this is one of the high whip bars which have knurling that is semi-aggressive. Most of the Rogue’s Olympic bars are straightness tested and includes this bar.

Summation

The knurling of the Olympic Training Bar is semi-aggressive and the whip is high. The sleeve length is 16.25” and it is one of the most economical 28 mm Olympic bars which use bushings instead of bearings. Manufactured in Ohio, most of the online websites sell this bar.

Rogue Olympic WL Bar

The Rogue Olympic bars were basically designed to be available at a price which is reasonable and a good competition for high dollar rated imports like Werksan, Eleiko, and more. You can get this bar in various finishes like satin chrome, bright zinc and polished chrome.

Here, all the given three variations are easily bought without or with center knurling. Most of the review given by buyers and experts for this tool is great. The prices can vary depending on the finish.

Summation

The knurling of the Rogue Olympic Bar is semi-aggressive. It has center knurling which is optional and the whip is high. The sleeve length is somewhat 16.25” and this particular tool is made in Ohio.

Rogue Euro Olympic WL Bar

This is one of the brand new release done by Rogue and is designed for attacking its rivals. Rogue has got worthy competitors in the professional weightlifting bars such as WerkSan, Eleiko, and Uesaka. Even though the Euro Olympic bar is manufactured in the USA, the shaft of it is European sourced and made of the best worked steel.

Furthermore, the specifications of Euro bar is on par with the Eleiko at 10 needle bearings, and 215,000 PSI and a fully polished and best chrome finish. As per Rogue, this bar can be considered to be one of the best quality and useful Olympic bar availble in the U.S.A.

Summation

The knurl of the Rogue Euro Olympic bar is semi-aggressive and passive center. It has got high whip and 16.25” of loadable sleeve length. Plus it has European sourced metal and steel. The bar is manufactured in Ohio.

Froning Bearing Bar

This bearing bar is the murdered out and signature form of the current Rogue Olympic WL Bar. This is the best WL bar which is available in black color zinc and features the best and coolest Froning signature end cap. It is available in most of the online websites.

Summation

The Froning Bearing bar has got a semi-aggressive knurling and high whip. The sleeve length is about 16.25” and the tool is available in black zinc. It has rich Froning and signature end caps. This equipment is manufactured in Ohio and is sold most of the online websites.

Burgener Bearing Bar

This bearing bar is created by Olympic coach Mike Bergener. This is a needle, whippy bar which is designed to compete with some of the best Olympic bars available in the online market. It is available in polished chrome and bright zinc.

Summation

The Burgener Bearing bar has got semi-aggressive knurling. The whip is high and the sleeve length is about 16.10”. It has Burgener signature end caps and is manufactured in Ohio.

Rogue Powerlifting Bars

An interesting aspect to keep in mind is that power bars have no original purpose just out of the sport related to powerlifting. Being so rigid, they can be considered as one of the worst bars for snatches and cleans. Plus the huge aggressive knurling is not ideal and best for high repetition sets. Rogue power bars are available in two varieties – 29 and 28.5 mm bars.

It is worth stating that power bars cannot be termed as one of the major specialty of Rogue, so the given selection can be quite small as compared to the Olympic WL or CrossFit selection.

Rogue Ohio Power Bar

This is one of the best and anticipated upgrade for the Rogue Power bar. This is a 29mm power bar that is rated at 205,000 PSI.It has aggressive knurling, and is simply marked for powerlifting. Also it has center knurl.

Basically, the bushing bar can be available in either 45 lb or 25 kg version and it can be given and produced with no finish (bare steel) or with the zinc finish, which is similar to Rogue Bar 2.0.

Summation

The knurling of the Rogue Ohio Power Bar is aggressive. The Whip can sometimes be quite rigid and the length of the loadable sleeve is 16.25”. This tool is available in zinc or bare steel coating. Furthermore, it is available in 45-pound bar or 20 kg bar. Manufactured in Ohio, the Rogue Power bar does not cost the earth.

Rogue Power Bar

(Discontinued)

Econ Westside Power Bar

(Discontinued)

Westside Power Bar 2.0

Recently, Rogue had updated the information and details of the Westside Power Bar which is in line of Ohio Power bar in terms of pricing. The original power bar of this company was not competitive enough to become one of the contenders in the power bar market because of pricing. Currently, the price has been discounted along with the addition of new features, making it more unique like getting colored composite bushing with matching end caps and completely blacked out, and more.

Summation

The Westside Power bar has got aggressive knurling. It has got a 205k PSI shaft, which is quite rigid. In addition, the Westside Power bar has black and zinc finish along with green bushing and end caps. Plus, its sleeve length is 16.25”. This bar is manufactured in Ohio, and priced well.

Westside Power Bar

Basically, this is the original and the best Westside Power bar. Currently the updated version called Westside Power Bar 2.0 is available. You have the option to purchase the updated version, but the original version works fine and has got innumerable benefits.

Summation

The knurling of the Westside Power bar is aggressive and it has got 29 mm, 205k PSI shaft. The whip is negligible and the length of the Sleeve length is about 16.1”.

Bar That Came Close

Rippetoe And Burgener Bar

Basically, the Burgener and Rippetoe (B&R) bar cannot be termed as a Rogue bar. This bar is designed and created by York Barbell. Now the reason why this bar makes to the list of the best Rogue bars is because it has been one of the major staple with regard of the Rogue line-up for quite a long time, making other feel that it is a part of their bars. Personally, I have this bar and it makes me feel that it is one of Rogue’s.

The men’s B&R bar is one of the best robust 29 mm bars having 205,000 PSI of tensile strength ratings. Frankly, this is a well-designed and one of the best bare steel bar which is dual marked. Plus it has passive and center knurling. The bushings of the bar is of top shelf making it easy to handle both heavy, slow lifts as well as explosive lifts. Now this is not one of the super whippy bar but a 29 mm bar which can be regarded as a general purpose and fantastic all around bar available at best price.

Are Rogue Bars Great Exercising Tools?

For CrossFit or multi-purpose bushing bar, the Froning Bushing, Castro and Operator 2.0 are all considered as Ohio Bars with various names. The Rogue Bar 2.0 is quite unique as it uses latest composite bushings instead of the bronze ones. Plus it is machined groove to provide the required customization and is cheaper when compared to other bars, but still it has got the similar shaft as Ohio Bar.

Among the various CrossFit bushing bar, you can check out Chan Bar. It is one which stands out as it stray away from Ohio Bar (center knurl, knurl depth, loadable space and placement). Furthermore, all the 28 mm Olympic bars which Rogue makes takes the same kind of shaft. And you do have to decide whether you have to pay for the premium of the needle bearing or not. If you don’t then the only choice you have is to select the 28 mm Training bar.

If you want the bearings, then you are lucky. The Froning Bearing Bar, Burgener Bearing Bar and Olympic WL Bar are just the same bars. Also it comes down to the major decision whether you require a signature bar or if not. Choosing a power bar is quite easy since there are only three of them from where you can select from. All you need to think about is the tensile strength, price and knurling.

Update: September 15, 2014

Matt Chan and Rogue posted this video. Of course, they’re a bit late for the party! Somewhat it sums up a lot of things related to this post in the below video. Enjoy! –

Conclusion

One thing that you need to keep in mind is that the Rogue is not best and one of the producers of barbells. There are others and you might get the best barbells among the list given in this article. But it won’t mean that something that works best for you when other variety of brands are factored in. No doubt, Barbells are expensive and time-consuming investment and you do need to do a lot of homework before you make the selection.