Starting Strength Bar
Texas Power Bars

Starting Strength Bar

Owned By: 10 gyms
#20 Most Owned Multipurpose Bar
#128 Most Owned Barbell
Average Rating: 4.86
Total Reviews: 7

The Starting Strength Bar is a purpose-built barbell designed specifically for the Starting Strength method of linear progression training. Made in Texas by Buddy Capps since 1980, this is the original Starting Strength Bar — trusted by Starting Strength coaches and strength athletes nationwide. With a 28.5mm shaft, 4" center knurl, fine knurling, dual knurl marks, and a weight of 44 lbs / 20 kg, this bar is ideal for high-rep technique work, learning proper form, and safely progressing toward heavier lifts. Its 15" loadable sleeves and 86" length make it compatible with standard racks and platforms, while the 190K PSI tensile strength steel ensures durability and stability for every lift.

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Starting Strength Bar Reviews

Based on 7 reviews from Gym Radar users, the Texas Power Bars Starting Strength Bar have an average rating of 4.86 out of 5. They're currently the #20 most-owned Multipurpose Bar on Gym Radar, with 10 home gyms reporting ownership.

7 Reviews

4.86 / 5
Performance
5.00 / 5
Build Quality
4.86 / 5
Value
4.71 / 5

User Reviews

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Big Kurt W.
Brotherly Barbell
13 reviews
517 points
(5.00)
7/28/2026
I was lucky enough to find one of FB Marketplace for a really good Price. The bar had accumulated a good amount of dirt and grease on it; a little oil from Barbell Rescue was able to clean a decent amount of it off. Despite what seemed like a lack of care, this bar has really held up well. The knurling is coarse without being aggressive and is clearly well-constructed/built to last.
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Ben.R.C
Purrfect Purrformance
37 reviews
713 points
(5.00)
6/14/2026
I got this barbell when first getting back into lifting a few years ago at Rip’s recommendation. I’m no barbell expert, but I love the knurling and the look of bare steel. It’s been a perfect all around bar for me.
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Big Chris
Dungeon of Gains
251 reviews
2601 points
(5.00)
6/9/2026
Solid bar. Felt good and performed well. Used for bench pressing and deadlifts and overhead press at starting strength gym.
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LC2 at Thick Rick and Sons
LC2 at Thick Rick and Sons's Gym
221 reviews
2137 points
(5.00)
3/12/2026
When I got back into lifting, it was at my friend's house, before I started my home gym. He started training with the Starting Strength method and picked up this bar. So my first year, I did a lot of 5’s on this bar for squat, bench, and deadlifts for a couple of years. He has been using that bar weekly for almost 10 years. So yes, I recommend this bar, and it holds up and is great for the main lifts, and great if you like a stiff bar and no whip for DL. The knurling is nice as well.
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Big Matt
The Gym that Memes Built
62 reviews
822 points
(4.67)
3/8/2026
I have two barbells and this is one of them. Bit of a different offering with the 28.5mm diameter and the dual score marks, but the knurling is really where this bar shines. It's not as "aggressive" as my Rogue OPB, but it's just as effective. My only knock is I had an issue with one of the sleeves, but TPB sent me a whole new sleeve at no charge.
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𝖇𝖎𝖌 𝖇𝖗𝖎𝖆𝖓 (𝖓𝖔 𝖗𝖊𝖑𝖆𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓) 🌿 🐌
B3 (Brian's Barbells and Brewskis)
81 reviews
1148 points
(4.33)
3/4/2026
I dont know what it is about this knurling, but it's very grippy without being aggressive. Excellent choice for all around lifting. Appreciate the center knurling on a general purpose barbell. My only criticism is that TPB also make the similar All American bar that costs a bit less and is usually included in discount offers.
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Eric Wuennecke
Eric’s Gym
1 review
290 points
(5.00)
3/2/2026
Great bar for general strength training. The knurling is just right and because it's raw steel it develops a beautiful patina over time.
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