This was the first specialty bar I ever bought (around 2020) and it has held up very well. I've used it at least once per week during that time, and the pads and handles are no worse for the wear. If I could afford it I would have purchased the original version from EliteFTS but to be honest I am not sure that could perform any better - at least on the pitifully small weights that I use for box squats and good mornings.

I studied harder for this certification than anything else I have ever done, but it was worth it. The week after the banner went up our garage gym produced three state championship track meet finalists, two state champion powerlifters, and one MMA tournament champion. Coincidence? I think not.

These work pretty well for the price. I don't have the room for fixed dumbbells or money for true adjustable ones, and these are much better than my old standard plate loaded ones. Since the sleeve doesn't stick out when loaded, they are much less cumbersome for presses or curls. When they are loaded they are very stable, no wobble when tightened down. They are kind of a hassle to load, so I end up using the same weight for multiple exercises and changing rep ranges. I have the Pro version made of plastic so I have never loaded them over 70 lbs, but they would probably be fine with more weight.

Can't beat for the price, recommend highly. I picked up some factory seconds in person in Nicholasville, KY, where they are made.

Maybe I got a unicorn, but I bought a CAP barbell for $50 over 30 years and besides flaking chrome I have no major complaints. Sure I have to tighten the nuts once a year, and the "center" knurling is off-center, and an the knurling is minimal to begin with, but it's done it's job for three decades. As my sons get stronger and are putting real weight on the bar we use it mostly for rows, landmines, and other accessories because I worry about their safety much more than my own. We have a Rogue 1.0 and Texas Power Bar for the big lifts, but the CAP is still serviceable so I haven' completely retired it.