A great barbell will have grippy knurling to help you get through every rep and have enough whip so you can dial in on your form for those heavier lifts. The American Barbell Training Bar is made with excellent craftsmanship, much like their popular Cerakote Mammoth Bar and Stainless Bearing Bar, and it's designed to withstand day-to-day abuse. It's versatile, or more specifically, it can be used as a barbell for CrossFit, Olympic weightlifting, powerlifting, and even competitions.
In this American Barbell Training Bar review, the ACTIVE Reviews Team will break down all the features and details to see if this barbell lives up to its well-rounded reputation, so you can see if it's the right bar for your training.
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A Quick Look at the American Barbell Training Bar
SPECS
- Weight: 15kg or 20kg
- Diameter: 25mm or 28mm
- Knurling: Medium
- Finish: Steel with hard chrome coating
American Barbell started in 1978 when it became an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for a global fitness company manufacturing gym equipment. In 1998, they rolled out their first barbell made with hard chrome and composite bushings. As the years went on, they continued to develop high-quality products including weight sets, and the Series 1 Dumbbell that has their Patented Spline Technology that makes them more durable with each drop.
The American Barbell Training Bar is arguably the most high-quality economically priced barbell on the market. Made with precision ground alloy steel, it has a tensile strength of 190,000 PSI (per square inch) and the hard chrome coating protects against oxidation and the impact of dropping weights repeatedly. The composite bushing system, also utilized in aircraft and automotive industries, keeps everything moving smoothly. The cherry on top is the crisp knurl pattern that gives you just the right amount of grip so your hands feel comfortable but don't slip.
What We Like
- Made with thoroughly inspected high-quality steel
- Knurl provides a solid and precise grip
- Good for beginner or advanced lifters
- High-strength composite bushings make rotation smooth
- Excellent value for the quality and features
What We Don't Like
- Slightly grooved sleeves prevent the weights and collars from going on and off smoothly
- Grip may not be aggressive enough for some
- No other finish or customization options available
BUY: American Barbell Training Bar
A Closer Look at the American Barbell Training Bar
American Barbell Training Bar Construction
The shaft and sleeves are made with precision ground alloy steel which is known to exhibit high strength and corrosion resistance. Each shipment of raw material is tested to ensure its quality and resilience. Both the shaft and sleeves have a hard chrome coating adding a protective layer against rust, and it shelters against wear from repeated drops and impact.
The breaking point of this barbell, also known as the tensile strength, is on the higher side of the industry standard at 190,000 pounds per square inch. The knurling on this bar is precise and intentional, meaning it does not feather out like more low-quality bars. Described as medium, it may feel sharper at first and then dull to a more comfortable grip over time. Since this bar was designed with versatility in mind, you don't need to worry about a center knurl making you uncomfortable in the front rack position. However, the lack of a center knurling may be something to consider if you're used to having one and like it.
American Barbell Training Bar Performance
Having a strong bar can support your heavy lifts, and the bushing system most certainly helps make each rep feel as smooth as possible. Throughout your training, the sleeves rotate around high-strength composite bushings.
Unlike other low-quality bushings, these have very light resistance and have a smooth rotation under load. This is probably because these are utilized in the aircraft and automotive industries, and because of this, you won't need to worry about a slow turnover.
BUY: American Barbell Training Bar
Our Verdict
Overall, the American Barbell Training Bar is great for CrossFit, Olympic lifting, powerlifting, and any other barbell needs you may have no matter if you're just starting or an advanced lifter. It's strong, versatile, and designed with quality in mind but is offered at a great price point given the quality and features.
FAQs About American Barbell
Is American Barbell a good brand?
We think so, as they've been at it for over 40 years and strive to make high-quality barbells with the most innovative designs. Plus, their warranty covers any manufacturer defects or issues when used properly for their intended use.
Who owns American Barbell?
Phil Patti is the owner and founder of American Barbell.
Should I buy an Olympic or standard barbell?
That depends on your training goals and budget. Olympic bars are designed specifically for these lifts. However, they tend to be more expensive than versatile options like the American Barbell Training bar, which can also be utilized for Olympic lifts.
About the Author
Rachael Gonzalez is a Staff Writer for ACTIVE. She spent five years in education before she joined the ACTIVE team in 2022. In this role, she is still able to make a positive impact on others by writing about something she loves: health and wellness.
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