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Post by pritchard on Feb 27, 2013 13:25:39 GMT 10
I know there is plenty of propaganda out there about power bars. It's like supplements- some people talk about some brands like they are magical. The truth is, if you put aside issues like what brands are approved for competition, there are a few key qualities you need and if it ticks the boxes, you go for the best buy. I have tried eleiko, ivanko, mastodon bar, okie bar, Texas power bar, Australian barbell bar, Iron Edge power bar and your regular cheapo bar. I currently use two power bars- one is a Australian barbell bar- black nitrate- which I got in 2010- and an Iron Edge power bar I got last year. Both are awesome. I have smashed the shit out of them- loading up over 340kg- and they are still dead straight. I prefer the IE bar a little for deadlift as the knurling is fine and sharp, but not like a cheese grater. For value for money they are the winners. What have your experiences been?
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Post by adamklam on Feb 27, 2013 14:35:20 GMT 10
I've got an ABC Power bar at home - it's awesome, super fine and sharp knurl. From what I understand the ABC and Ironedge black nitrate bars are both made by ABC.
My ABC bar looks just like the ironedge one, except with Aus barbell end caps.
At Fatty First, they have regular ABC black bars (not power bars) and they aren't too bad, although they start bending a bit at around 220kg. The knurling is flat/wide and a bit slipper compared to the power bars as well.
I have tried the 35mm SportKraft squat bar at PTC franga and I didn't find it any better, although I don't really squat heavy yet.
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brick
New Member
Posts: 11
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Post by brick on Feb 27, 2013 19:43:19 GMT 10
Going to get a new bar as a birthday gift to myself.
It'll be abc or texas. Abc is winning on price although I've never used one. I also like the idea of gettong them to make the centre knurl less agressive so I can squat without ripping my back up. From memory the centre knurl on the kapps texas bar is same as the outside, cheese grater.
Anyone give me feedback on which knurl is best on the ABC the cheesegrater or tge fine sharp knurl. I don't mind the cheese grater on the texas bar I've used.
Apologies for shitty grammar posting from my phone.
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Post by adamklam on Feb 27, 2013 20:38:21 GMT 10
Ask for the Scott from PTC Brisbane special knurl
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Post by BenchPolkov on Feb 27, 2013 20:49:53 GMT 10
I've used Texas, ABC and Eleiko bars and my favourite by far is of course the Eleiko, but that's not to say that the other two bars aren't more than suitable for any lifter. Having had a lot of use out of my Texas bars at the gym I can say they can take a pretty good beating and still be going strong after 2 years. I've less experience with the ABC bars but I know others who would vouch for them strongly as well.
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brick
New Member
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Post by brick on Feb 27, 2013 21:09:36 GMT 10
Yeah I do love your texas bars big fella but they run $200 dearer then the ABC. Wouldn't mind trying one before I buy. I'm such a fucking tight arse.
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Post by pritchard on Feb 27, 2013 21:38:35 GMT 10
Abc and IE are basically the same and I think you can request the knurling you want. I'm extremely happy with. Amazed they are still straight after what I have put then through- like pin squats with 340kg.
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Post by spotterloader on Feb 27, 2013 21:46:42 GMT 10
The knurling pattern/style and thickness are the only 2 differences between what you get from ABC and IE as far as I am aware
I'm used about 8 different bars lol So far for squats it's the Mastodon, bench Eleiko and deads the Texas if I got to choose Scott from PTC Brissy is getting some bars from Finland within the fortnight so I'll be keeping an eye out on what they're like
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goat
Rated Lifter
Posts: 163
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Post by goat on Feb 28, 2013 6:36:30 GMT 10
I have 2 ABC powerbars, very happy with them. One is the black powerbar like everyone else but the other is the old stainless steel powerbar that they dont advertise anymore. The knurling on that one is quite smooth so I have a contrast. Considering the cost I'd never buy anything else, my stainless bar is about 8 years old. The Elikos are nice though...
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Post by sealion on Feb 28, 2013 10:46:12 GMT 10
I also like my ABC powerbar for its quality and most of all its price.
Though if price were no issue i would go an Eleiko, but on principle, I cannot justify it.
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Post by paullie on Mar 1, 2013 18:17:44 GMT 10
Use Eleiko, IE Power, ABC Power, Texas, Pendlay, ZK, KP (some custom bars).
KP bars are cheese graters, they are great for sumo because the knurling runs the entire length of the bar. No whip. Harsh for deadlifting. Great for squatting and benching.
My preference for deadlifting (apart from Texas) is the Pendlay, the knurling is just so nice, and its got a little whip which I like. Crap for squatting, average for benching.
Squats I don't mind the IE/ABC powerbars, but I've scene them get a bit wobbly at higher loads. Great for benching. Good for deadlifting too.
I love benching with Eleiko, squatting is great. I do like some whip when deadlifting but its great to train the deadlift.
ZK oly lifts only.
We use a cheap bar in the torsonator.
For price the IE/ABC power bar wins as its a good bar for all three lifts.
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Post by pritchard on Mar 1, 2013 18:48:41 GMT 10
Great selection of bars there!
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Post by triggerfrank on Mar 13, 2013 12:47:09 GMT 10
I used a new ABC power bar at PTC sydney.... apparently it had a custom knurling... i didnt have to use chalk for grip when DLing.. and im pretty sure i left half the skin from my hand and shin on the Bar that night.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Mar 27, 2013 13:41:07 GMT 10
Good info. Am trying out an Iron Edge power bar tomorrow and a Troy Barbell texas power bar soon. Get to compare the latter to an Eleiko at the same time. Have heard the Iron Edge is closer to Eleiko in stiffness so leaning towards buying one of them.
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gp
MSIC
Posts: 1,189
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Post by gp on Mar 27, 2013 13:55:52 GMT 10
I have an ABC power bar with the custom/PTC Brisbane deep fine knurling. It is definitely sharper than an Eleiko. Great grip but much harder on the hands. Got it for under $400 so it was very good value IMO.
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