When it comes to powerlifting, having the right equipment is essential. This is especially true if your goal is to consistently set new personal records month after month.
The foundation of any powerlifter's gym setup is the barbell. As a niche sport, no ordinary barbell will suffice for powerlifting. The best barbells need to combine elite quality and reliability with little details that the ordinary person wouldn't pick up on, but every powerlifter will appreciate. There are many different powerlifting bars on the market, and it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you.
In our Bells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0 review, we will break down all the features and benefits of this bar to see whether it's a top choice for powerlifters.
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A Quick Look at the Bells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0
SPECS
- Weight: 44 lbs. / 20 kg.
- Diameter: 1" / 29 mm.
- Knurl marks: Aggressive / Powerlifting
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Coating:
- Shaft finish - bare steel
- Sleeve finish - hardened chrome
When it comes to weightlifting, whether Olympic, powerlifting, or the occasional leg day workout, Bells of Steel is a brand that people put their trust in. The company has been around since 2010, providing over 24,000 people with the fitness equipment they needed to reach their goals. And they've got quite the collection of positive reviews to prove it. When it comes to powerlifting bars, Bells of Steel knows their stuff.
Powerlifting barbells need to be much tougher than the ones you'll find in most commercial gyms. The reason is that powerlifting is a tough sport that is all about numbers. That means multiple weight plates being thrown on the barbell day after day. You need a barbell that's going to be able to withstand that kind of punishment, especially if you're serious about chasing after your powerlifting goals.
And that's why Bells of Steel created the Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0. It has all the benefits of its predecessor with none of its flaws. Made specifically to meet the requirements of the International Powerlifting Federation, the Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0 combines efficiency with maximal durability. Just in case you're looking at smashing world records, this bare steel bar provides you with a 1,500-pound weight capacity. What's more, as you watch the plate numbers go higher, you don't have to fret about any spin or whip from the bar.
Grip won't be an issue for you with the Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0. With its super aggressive knurling, you won't have to worry about slippage, even during your heaviest lifts. It's designed to be your perfect companion during the Big Three (squats, deadlifts, and bench presses).
What We Like
- This bar is specifically designed to meet IPF standards, so you can use it to practice for competitions and get the most out of your performance
- This bar, with its unfinished steel surface and aggressive knurling, will grippingly adhere to your hands
- This product has a 210,000 PSI tensile strength and 1,500-lb. capacity, which means bar whip will never be an issue
What We Don't Like
- Some reviews mention that there are issues with shipping so when the bar arrives, there are rust spots
- There's a good chance that you'll need to wipe down the bar due to the oil and/or rust on the barbell. While this isn't a huge issue, the fact that the knurling is aggressive will turn this into a chore because the knurling will shred most rags
BUY: Bells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0
A Closer Look at Bells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0
Let's do a deeper dive into the features of the Bells of Steel powerlifting bar:
Weight
This power bar weighs 44 pounds (20 kilograms), which is standard for most barbells. Thankfully, this also means you'll be using a barbell that meets the International Powerlifting Federation requirements.
Diameter
The diameter of the bar is one inch (29 millimeters). Again, this is the standard for most commercial barbells, but you can also rest assured that you'll be using a barbell that will be exactly the same if you go to a powerlifting competition.
Knurl Marks
The knurl marks for this bar are rated as aggressive and they are specifically designed for powerlifting.
The reason for the aggressive knurling is to ensure that powerlifters can get a good grip on the bar, even when their hands are sweaty or wet. Excellent knurling can literally be the difference between being stuck with the same PR numbers from last month and setting a new record.
The bare steel finish and aggressive knurling make the bar both practical and aesthetically pleasing. As powerlifters know, it's not just about performance; presentation is important, too. You want your bar to look as good as it performs.
Coating
The new and improved Bells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0 has a shaft made entirely of steel for the best possible feel, with hardened chrome sleeves.
As we mentioned above, no ordinary barbell will be able to handle the workouts that serious powerlifters go through. For example, the standard 500-pound weight limit that you'll find in most commercial gyms won't cut it—not even close! If you're going after bigger plate numbers, you need a bar that's going to be able to handle anything you can throw at it, and the Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0 can do just that.
With regular maintenance (nothing outside the norm for maintaining equipment) this barbell will be around to help you smash every record you set.
Bells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0 Highlights
Whether you're powerlifting competitively or just working out in your garage, the Bells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0 is a high-quality power barbell that will help you reach your powerlifting goals.
With its aggressive knurling, steel shaft, and hardened chrome sleeves, this power bar is sure to last for years. Plus, with a price tag of just over $200, it's one of the best powerlifting bars you can get without breaking the bank.
BUY: Bells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0
FAQs About Bells of Steel Bars
How much do Bells of Steel bars weigh?
The Bells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0 weighs in at 20 kilograms (44 pounds). However, this is not the only Bells of Steel barbell. The brand has multiple barbells including Olympic, multi-purpose, and specialty ones, but these also weigh 44 pounds. The only Bells of Steel barbell that weighs less is the women's barbell 2.0, which comes in 33 pounds (15 kilograms).
Is Bells of Steel good quality?
Yes! Bells of Steel has earned a great reputation for producing high-quality powerlifting barbells and related equipment. The company puts an emphasis on craftsmanship, engineering, and precision, to ensure that its products are built to last.
Where are Bells of Steel products made?
As stated on the company website:
"Our products are made in China by several curated factories, all personally inspected by the CEO Kaevon, and our iron plates are made in Vietnam by a 3rd generation-run foundry. All of our manufacturers adhere to our quality specifications demands."
About the Author
David has over a decade of experience as a NASM-certified personal trainer, fitness and nutrition specialist, and sports conditioning specialist. David has written blog posts, e-books, training guides, and online courses that cover a range of health and fitness topics.
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