Should You Buy a Texas Power Bar? 

UPDATE: Texas Power Bars has released a 29mm Power Bar and it's AWESOME.

You make an array of valid points, however as a native Texan, I have an obligation to buy anything stamped with the state outline. My hands are tied. 🤷🏼‍♂️

The one consistent compliment I have about your channel is your ability to do all of your videos in one take, no edits. Impressive!

Just picked up a cerakote finish Texas Power Bar and love it. I'll probably still be buying a Kabuki in the near future too. 28.5 is my preference; I don't mind 29, but 28.5 is cozy for low-bar, deadlift, and bench. I notice the whip, but again, I personally like it in terms of tactile cues. I find that it's a nice tool to help me feel out the slack and take it out on deadlifts rather than grip/rip, and it keeps me honest about eccentric control on other lifts. The wide collars could be seen as a problem, but you could also see it as a form of clearance on 49" 3x3 rack setups where folks are worried about hitting the uprights with their plates on walkouts/re-racks. I understand why people wouldn't desire these things in a bar, and you could probably argue the opposites much as many have on RU-vid, but I do wish people would frame it a bit better on subjective/contextual points.

Now just hoooold one there partner, I’m here frum Texas and I’ll be root-tootin dag-gum blasted more than a rooster cluckin the barb wire...I don’t know where this is going, great vid man.

Just ordered one because it’s literally the only good bar in stock rn bc of COVID.

The thicker collars might be a selling point for those like me with a monster rack, who tend to bump the plates against the uprights on walkout. Not a huge deal, but one point for them.

Texas (or the county I live in at least) must be pretty behind on times. We definitely still use credit & business cards everyday. I’m also ordering a Texas Power Bar tomorrow haha

I went with a Texas all american bar as my first barbell for my home gym. I love it. I wanted a cerakote finished bar because of indoor and outdoor use (stainless steel gets pricey for most brands). For the price, versatility, and various other things that come into play; It seemed to be the best option. I looked through every brand. I didn't want to spend over $350. It was between Texas, Rogues Ohio bar, and American barbell's California bar (all round the same price). I would have been happy with either but went texas and so far so good!

Well, after watching your video about the high price and lack of quality control on the Kabuki bar, I will be buying one from Texas Power Bars. Can not be more American than a Texas Bar, sorry Ohio.

I’m literally at the gym deadlifting with one right now😂

Great points well argued. Loving my REP Stainless Power Bar EX. Great for all lifts, not just one. That extra millimeter really makes a difference. If I only had one bar it’d be that, which I can’t say of many bars.

I know I'm late but I can't find anyone who has a video on the bench bar? Is there a reason for that or does it also go by another name? I bought one but I can't seem to find any videos on it.

6 weeks ago I got the go ahead to start lifting again after surgery on both shoulders and 2 years off, so I haven't gone over 405 yet. That said I love my new Texas Power Bar so far. There were some delays getting it thanks to COVID-19 but they were great to work with and sent regular updates on the order status. They even offered a discount for the inconvenience of the delay.

Brandon I have already a 29mm rogue OPB. Now I want to get a 28.5mm and a 28mm to my collection. I already the rogue deadlift bar. Which 28.5 and 28 barbell do you recommend. Was thinking of the training bar 28mm from rogue for Olympic lift and the new hybrid OPB. Or maybe the just OPB. What you think or for better suggestions?

what would you recommend if the ohio is out of stock? not a fan of the TX power due to the thinness and whip when deadlifting and squatting

I use the TPB for the big three lifts and I don't lift heavy enough that I notice any excessive whip. I have several other bars but love the TPB. I like the knurling and I see the bigger collars as an asset. They keep plates a little further out from my power rack thus less likely to hit if don't re-rack exactly centered.

I have a Pro Force Ranger bar, black zinc coated bar and brushed metal zinc sleeves I love it. I am also interested in the ROGUE 2.0 Bar but they've been out of stock for months now. Now if I can just find some 45lbs PLATES sometime this year....?

My first quality bar that I purchased was a Texas power bar in the early 2000's. I love that chess grater knurling! Guaranteed to give you bloody shins. I still have that bar, but I mostly use it for deadlifts now. Depending on the current price point, I still believe it's a great first upgrade.

I'm inclined to agree with this video. I had one for most of 2019, but it was the least used bar (preferred SS OPB for squat and deadlift, and Rogue Westside Power Bar 2.0 for benching) so I sold the TPB and grabbed a couple specialty bars from Rep instead.

This is a great video and I've been saying the same thing since I got into powerlifting. To my knowledge they also have not updated their steel since the 80's and are the only power bar on the market with a PSI rating below 190. Their squat bar seems to have more whip than my elieko and rogue power bars.

I'm not a very big dude. I hit 145 lbs for the first time in my life when I did strength training consistently for almost a year (stopped because of a shitty warehouse job). I worked my way up to a 290 lb deadlift and didn't show any signs of plateauing, but I honestly don't ever expect my 1RM to pass 550. That being said, would the thickness of the bar even matter if I'm pulling under 400 lbs for reps? Would I even notice the bar whip?

What barbell would you suggest for people starting a garage gym that wanna use it for both squatting, deadlifting benchning and pressing?

I loved it over the last couple of years, but I noticed the same thing. now that I'm starting to load over 400lbs squats more often I'm starting to notice the whip and started using the squat bar

great review and explanation !!!!

I'm leaning towards getting the Ohio power bar on stainless, I don't usually drop my weights but I'd like to know my barbell can take abuse if I felt like it. Would you recommend the stainless opb?

I personally like the knurling on the TPB much better than the OPB, but haven’t really squatted with enough weight to notice a difference yet. For bench the Texas power bar definitely feels better.

I’ve looked EVERYWHERE for a bar and no one has anything in stock. Does anyone know of any good bars in stock right now? (July 2020)

I have two Texas Power Bars from Buddy Capps. I have a Rogue Freedom Bar and a Rogue Bar. Love those bars but I also have a Troy AOB 1500 bar. I find myself using the Troy most often for benching and curling. Love the feel of that bar. Like the knurling and the bronze bushings. Just a good bar in my opinion.

Great video. I use OPB for bench and TPB for squat and deadlift. If I had to choose one it would be the Rogue bar. I don’t lift in the 400s so the there’s no noticeable whip when squatting with the TPB and no plates banging against the uprights on walkout. The Rogue bar though is a step above in feel, finish and quality.

Hey Brandon wanted your opinion on what coating should I order the shaft if any -- black zinc/chrome or just go with the bare steel? I like aggressive knurling so I gravitate towards bare steel but I've never tried chrome coated bar before, only sleeves. Thank you for your time and willingness to share information.

Is slight bending normal with the Texas Power Bar?

I have one, love it. It's my only barbell. That said, I'm looking for a second bar, just to treat myself. But Im happy with tpb, it's all I've ever used.

I have been a competitive powerlifter for 14 years (8 in USAPL.) I owned a Rogue Westside Power Bar for 2 years, sold it, and purchased a Texas Power Bar. Even though Rogue barbells are the new craze and that they are very good bars, I believe the Texas Power Bar is overall better. I have determined that Texas Power Bars are MUCH more aggressive knurling than Rogue Power Bars. To add, a half a millimeter difference isn't going to make a huge difference in the long run on grip strength. I definitely recommend the Texas Power Bar.

I bought my TPB specifically because it was 28.5 mm. I guess I feel differently. It’s the only bar I own

Buddy of mine has the Rogue OPB,I have the Texas. Love them both and train with them both pretty equally because we lift together. After having both I think the OPB is a better option as far as knurling. Probably going to try the Rep Fitness bar whenever i finish with this one.

Don't have one, but I like thicker collars because it keeps the plates from hitting rack on squats-something I find very annoying.

Would you recommend the Texas deadlift bar or REP DEEP KNURL POWER BAR EX or rogue Ohio bar?

What are your thoughts on the Texas Deadlift Bar vs a Rogue Ohio Deadlift Bar? (For example)

After a lot of research I went with a Rogue Castro Bar 2.0 for an all a rounder. I don’t mind the bare steel, I actually prefer it and I don’t need the center knurl.

I have both a cerakote TPB and a stainless steel Rogue Ohio Power Bar. I lean towards the Rogue bar for one main reason and that's the feel of the bar in my hands. It just wants to be there more than the coated TPB. I honestly wish I had a bare Texas Power Bar to compare the 2. Great video. You hit some really good points.

what about us in the uk ?opb is turbo expensive , what about atx ram bar , primal austin bar ,ss bastard bar ? how do they stack up to the opb ?

Brandon, have you ever tried the titex power bar? Im getting one today but I'm in the UK and nobody has one. Apparently it now has more aggressive knurl than the original one

The used a new one for a meet I did and my hands had pins and needles after deadlifts. Ouch. Only time I have heard of them used for USAPL. I myself have a kabuki power bar and absolutely love it.

So that being said what bar do you think is the best and best value

As someone who sadly isn't really at risk of adjusting for 400 lbs of whip on the bar for squats, this makes me want to buy it a bit more. I'm in between getting a second power bar and a deadlift bar, and this seems like a good in between.

What do you think about the American Barbell Grizzly bar ?

I love the grittiness of the texas power bar! But i get what you're saying

My gym has a couple of Texas barbells, and I find the farther outward collars shifts the weight distribution farther out, which makes it a tad more difficult to control as the bar gains momentum more readioy when the bar helicopters while bench pressing. Imagine benching with an even longer barbell with the weights loaded at the ends of the collar. Now imagine how awkward it would feel to bench. Although the helicoptering issue is minimal, when lifting near max loads, the slight st loss of control can cost you your lift.

I prefer the classic Texas power bar. It’s a good all around / in between bar. The rogue power bar is too stiff and the rogue deadlift bars knurling is cheese grater aggressive.

Not one person on here mentioned the size of their hands??? Im 6 foot with 9 inch hands from the tip of the longest finger to the crease under the palm. The average is 7.6 i guess. I live in Texas and wanted a heavy knurl so i was gonna get a TPB. I do bodybuilding and im lifetime natty so i dont lift very heavy. Ill be using it for bench, squat, rdl, curls, rows, shoulder press. I never have more than 315lb on the bar. Im looking for advice, with my large hands i do prefer a fatter grip, would going with the Texas Bench Bar at 30mm be a good option or is that stupid? It does have a center knurl which im wanting for squats. If i get an ohio power bar its only .5mm bigger and i feel like that I wont feel much difference and regret it every time i see that ohio logo. Or should i just shut up and buy a TPB. Is $200 extra for a bench bar worth the extra 1.5mm when you have 9 inch hands? I do lift at a gym that has Troy 34mm handle dumbbells and i love them. Maybe i should get the texas squat bar at 31.75mm? My 9inch hand is 16.8675% larger than the average 7.6in hand. The Texas bench bar is 5.12821% larger than the average 28.5in bar and only 3.38983% larger than a 29in Ohio Power Bar. What Bar does THOR use? How large of the hands of the average person in this comment section? Have other people tried 34in dumbbells and loved them like me? How large are your hands Brandon? What are your thoughts on this? Maybe I should get the Texas Squat Bar and use it for everything? Its 10.7884% larger than a 28.5in bar. Do my hands being 16.86% larger than average need a larger bar closer to that larger percentage? Me loving the 34in dumbbells kinda has me leaning towards YES. I guess eventually i should buy a Texas Bench and a Texas squat bar would be the best answer. But which one first for the next year or two?

I own a Texas Power Bar and an Eleiko Competition Powerlifting Bar. To be honest I love training on my Texas Power Bar more than the Eleiko, something about its knurl and the thick collars that allow me to take a wide grip on the collars in a standard power rack. But when i go to prepping for IPF sanctioned meets I move to the Eleiko. That said, ultimately, I wouldn't buy an Eleiko to train with but I wouldn't use a Texas to compete in.

I agree with you Brandon. I have a 20 year old bare steel Texas Power bar and it’s a excellent bar but outdated for powerlifting duties. I ordered the stainless LUXIAOJUN Mastery Stainless Power Bar to replace my Texas Power bar. The specs of the LUXIAOJUN Mastery Stainless Power Bar outdo the Texas power bar. My Texas Power bar will become my landmine, curling, power clean, bodybuilding barbell.

What do you think. Bells of steel power bar vs Texas power bar ?

Sold my Rogue Ohio Power Bar as I like my Texas Power Bar way more. Finish on the Texas is also like the day I bought it. Both of my Rogue Bars that I had with black zinc finishes were fading within months. If I get another Ohio it will be bare steel. My Ivanko plates also like the Texas sleeves as they are slightly smaller and easier to slide weights on.

I’m really liking my Rep Fitness deep knurl ex stainless steel bar.

I feel this Barbie a timely classic and I have all 3 the original Texas power bar the Mac barbell and the more modern since coated bar. They are great bars I have tried everybar under the sun and if you want an ipf approved bar that covers all bases buy an eleiko. For training though Texas is fine. The Texas deadlift bar is by far the best deadlift bar ever created.

I have two OHP, stainless shaft/chrome sleeve/ black zinc with zinc sleeves as well as American Barbell Elite Power Bar Stainless and last but not least Texas Power Bar black zinc with chrome sleeves. My favourite is Texas. There is just something about it. I am selling a OHP. Its all personal preference.

do you have n eleiko bar bro

Bar recommendations? Link to video that already goes over this? I'm sure you have one, I just didn't have a home gym at the time. Looking for bang for buck one bar for everything.

I have a Texas power bar and a Texas deadlift bar and love them both

The TPB remains my favorite all around bar. The problem is an all around bar will always be a compromise because what I want in a squat bar is the opposite of what I want in a deadlift bar. The TPB is solid enough with 500lbs squats, has a fair amount of whip for 500lbs deadlifts, and I prefer the feel of 28.5mm bar over a 29 when benching. Add in excellent knurling and an overall bada$$ aesthetic and a fair price and I say it is the best power bar on the market. Especially if you buy the Power bar, Squat bar, Deadlift bar trio.

There's a local powerlifting gym with cheap drop-ins that I use to get combo rack practice before meets. They're a USPA gym so they've got a bunch of squat, deadlift, and TPBs. They have 1 OPB for when us USAPLbois roll in. Even for my 4pl8LMAO pulling self, there's a noticeable difference in setting my grip and whip off the ground when I don't grab the Ohio Power Bar. I think if you're buying 1 bar and competing in the USPA/IWF, it's a fine choice. But if you're going with any other fed/not planning on competing an Eleiko/copy (like the OPB, Strength Shop, Rep, etc) is your best bet.

Great we got 3 of them in my gym..

I got one and love it. It's big, it's red, and if you look in the side you'll see a little picture of Texas - the greatest place on god's green earth. If that ain't enough reason to get one, I can't help yah.

One bar to rule them all? Rogue Ohio Power Bar. I am looking for a singlet. Any suggestions on brand?

I prefer Texas Squat Bar, rogue Power Bar, and Eleiko Deadlift bar for each lift respectively. (I've only used deadlift and weightlifting eleiko bar tho)

Brandon, you are correct, about the tensile strength of Texas Power bar being noticeable around the four hundred pound mark. Don't get me wrong I still love the Texas Power bar it's just not the ultimate bar anymore, there are several great alternatives out now If the Texas bar would clone the Kabui or Rogue Power bars tensile strength and dimensions they would be the king of bars once again in their Power bar. Now as for the Texas Squat bar and Texas Deadlift bar those bars are solid and live up to the Texas bar name. ( Verified Texas Power bar user for 35 years )

I feel differently. But mainly because I like the extra diameter when walking out a squat. For deadlifts, I'd rather have no whip.

I know this is a very vague question for someone like you, but if you don't put Texas power bar in your top list, can you tell us what bars you think are best?

Idk. Not to familiar with Texas powerbars. The one I have is the most aggressive bar I’ve ever felt. There’s center Knurling BUT it’s bare steel so it needs to be maintained…they have a 29mm bar idk what this guys saying. This is what id get. Zink and chrome 29mm TPB. It’s only 40 bucks more than the steel variant

Brandon, I agree with your points and wish there was a way to actually conduct a properly controlled test amongst the different manufacturers and bars for bar whip because I'm wondering how the steel type and strength affects the characteristics of bar whip. In a world where there is a lot of discussion on "186" vs "205" etc. I'm just not sure how much difference a person will notice. I know I am going way too far and spending too much time on this..but I can't help myself! As an example, it would be fun to have two exact bars in length, diameter, collar design steel type and coating but different strength values and see how they vary. It might also be fun if it were testable for having the exact same bars with the only difference being the collar thickness. Then it would be interesting to have the exact same bars in every way except change the diameter and see what happens. I'm sure there are other testable variables but since I've wasted everyone's time I'll stop while I'm ahead :-) *I guess someone could test the different versions of a say the OPB or OB to see if there is a change in whip feeling between them as a starting point...hmmm, pretty expensive test that no one probably cares about!*

Yup, no question about it. Some people get a little bit extra spring out of them when squatting or deadlifting though which CAN make you lift more. I personaly always go for the Eleiko power bars though. In my opinion they're simply way better. I still remember seeing Kirill Sarychev bench at Thor's power challenge and man, he seemed to have a lot of trouble stabilising their texas power bar due to it not being stiff enough.

I love a thinner bar for all 3 of my lifts. I also love it for other lifts (press, cleans, and rows). My gym has this one bar that is really thin. I'm guessing it's 28. I really enjoy it. I don't compete at all and my max heaviest lift was 375lbs so I don't really create any whip with that light of weight. Not sure why I wanted to share this but I did. Anyway thanks for the video.

Guess I will be getting the Texas squat bar cause that’s what I want it for.

I have a Texas power bar although I’m not strong enough to pull 400 yet I see absolutely nothing wrong with the bar so if your a regular bro wanting to get strong I’d say this is the best bar it has great knurling nothing hardcore but certainly not soft and wip actually helps sometimes so unless you’re something like 6 or 8 hundred lifter then maybe this bar isn’t for you but for the majority this bar is in my opinion

All three Rogue bars I bought rusted. A lot. OPB, Castro and curl. I oiled them damn near after each use. They were in a dry garage. Even after cleaning with a wire brush and 3-1 oil the bars would rust in a few days before I touched them. Rogue did not post my review of the last bar I purchased. Rogue would not respond to questions about why my review was not posted. I have a Texas Power Bar Starting Strength bar. No rust. Do yourself a favor and stay away from Rogue.

I’ve got a TPB in bazooka green cerakote and an Ohio Power Bar with the E coat finish. Both are nice but for some reason I prefer the TPB. Just like the feel of it better. Maybe it’s the coating, maybe it’s the .5 mm diameter difference, but I doubt it. I love the oversized collars. My gym has a bunch of Texas All American Bars which I also really like (especially for a commercial gym bar). I think for the price both the Texas and Ohio power bars are a pretty good deal. I would like to see the TPB in stainless. I doubt that will happen though.

Hey Brandon, Would love to see a video about Rogues e-coating on their bars. Cheers

I workout in gyms that use either standard olympic bars, or stiff ohio bars. Yet I compete in a fed that uses a Texas deadlift noodle. I have to seek them out to train on during my prep. I am not saying one is better or worse, but some standardization sure would be good for average users without amazing home gyms...lol

I love this RU-vid account

Do you recommend the Rogue Elephant Bar?:D

Haven’t even watched yet cuz I’m training but I saw the notification. Completely agree lmao even if I don’t know what you’ve said yet. I’ll be back to watch in a few hours

Texas power bar is a bench bar. That’s why they make a deadlift bar and a squat bar. It’s not made to do all three lifts on. Also guys weighing over 198 use a squat bar not a power bar.

Dude we use them in our powerlifting room and they still work!!!!!

If it's gonna be a person's only bar I think 28.5mm is the way to go. Enjoyed the video though.

real question what are your numbers to be critiquing a bar?

passed on the TX Power Bar for an Ohio Power Bar with the new e-coat, so naturally I clicked this fast as shit lol

Starting some fires 🤣

Bro I was bout to order one and then u shitted on my dream going with the Ohio power bar by rogue just cuz of the better resale value

What is your #1 recommended power bar?

I've been lifting since the 70s and I would have to say The Texas Power Bar is the best most durable all-around barbell I have ever owned. God Bless Texas.

My globo gym has only two decent barbells and they’re both Texas power bars.

sorry i dont listening. im korean. texas bar is why bad? low psi? too old?

To echo many others, I professionally and personally know Mr. Capps, and have used his current bars (as well as his older material). They're incredibly reliable, tough, sufficiently pliable, and comfortable to use. I am biased, and I approve of this message.

SORINEX bars have been really great for my home gym, compared to the Texas Bars at my gym

Best non-rogue bar?

Texas Dead Lift Bar review? Would be nice if it came in SS.

People don't use credit cards these days?

Awwww shit, this will be drama lol...any thoughts on Kobe??