This review will be for any entry level barbell with a hex bolt keeping the sleeves attached. Everyone’s barbell journey has to start somewhere… the good old hex bolt end cap barbell, I mean it’s a barbell but that’s About as much good as you can say about them, I have seen some relatively heavy weighs moved on them and I have also seen tons of stripped out hex bolts and bars just bent to shit. If your never going above 225 on squat and bench sure it will work but if you deadlift at all or move 315+ on the squat or bench you should immediately upgrade your bar.

I owned the original USA version of this 2019-2020. That was a great budget Buffalo bar. Bends felt good and was safe in the rack. Fringe switched to a China made bar for a while I heard was subpar and then again back to the USA but I can only speak fly the OG one and it was great and I would have used it forever of a Duffalo bar hadn’t fallen on my lap.

These are fairly popular color that’s considered vintage and actually gets used in the gym regularly by lifters. I owned a pair for a few years before letting go of them, if I recall they had some weight to them and I personally never liked having heavy collars as it messed with my bar weight ocd.

Vintage York spin locks look cool but personally I never liked using them. I always felt they were too cumbersome for me and to much work. Ease of use 6, cool factor 9 Owned several pairs over the years from Building out my milled York collection.

I really waned to like this bar, got a great deal On it used and gave it a honest chance to stay in the bar rotation it just wasn’t for me. Reasonably priced specialty bar if this is what you are looking for. I just prefer my ssb & Duffalo. Owned 2017-2018

If you’re in the need for an agility ladder this is a good option. I used this exact one periodically with my old personal trainer. They can definitely be helpful and good way to get the heart rate up. Used regularly 2013-2016

I used Big Dr Hogans brand new BWTG knurled axle fresh out of the tube during the Arnold Weekend 2025. The knurl is extremely sharp, much sharper than my gorilla strength knurled axle. If you’re in the market for a razor sharp knurled axle this is the one you want.

Cap Barbell The Beast Bar: I have used this bar in my buddies gym “The Pain Clinic” many times. It’s marketed as power bar but with no Center knurling and only 28.5 mm it leaves something to be desired. With that said I have seen this handle multiple 500+ lb squats. If you are a budget this might be the best general purpose bar $150 delivered will get you. Big step up from a hex bolt bar. Used 2016-2020