This barbell is solid. It has all the best characteristics you would expect from a big brand barbell but if you wait just at the right time (Black Friday sale / Boxing day) you can have it for a reasonnable price, even better than other big brand sales. 29mm stainless shaft / 200kpsi with agressive knurl (webside says it conforms to IPF specs but the bar doesn't come with an IPF sticker or engraving) Sleeves are grooved and nickel plated (at least the website used to specify it, but not anymore)