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Rogue Freedom bar vs Ohio deadlift bar

Posted by Pascal Landshoeft

Jun 29, 2020 9:00:00 AM

Rogue Freedom bar vs Ohio deadlift bar

This is a comparison of the Rogue Freedom bar and the Ohio deadlift bar including pros, cons, and alternatives. Follow the links for more details

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Overview and review of the Rogue Ohio deadlift bar

This overview of the  Ohio deadlift bar  was originally published in my comprehensive guide on which Rogue barbell to buy. If you are currently considering to buy a Rogue barbell it is worth a read to get input on the latest models. I update the guide on a yearly basis depending on Rogue's new releases. 

 
Price: 355$
 

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Overview of the deadlift barbell

 
The Ohio deadlift bar has been specially designed for deadlifting. With a diameter of 27mm and 190K PSI tensile strength, it bends more than the Ohio bar. This great whip helps powerlifters to deadlift from a more advantageous position. The bar weighs 20kg and the sleeves spin via bushing rather than bearing.
 
The knurling on this barbell has been made extra aggressive to minimise chalk need or maximize the grip strength when chalk is applied. The loadable sleeve length is 15.50. There is one version in zinc and another with raw steel available. 
 
Overall, this bar gets very good reviews for the purpose of deadlifting. Be aware that when you purchase this bar, it is specially built for deadlifting. It is a great addition to your arsenal when the basic needs are covered. For your first purchase, you might want to look at the Ohio bar, Ohio power bar, freedom bar or chan bar before moving to this piece of equipment.
 

Pros of the Ohio deadlift bar

 
The Ohio deadlift bar is special as it is one of the few cheaper bars from Rogue with a great whip. The only other bar which has this is the training bar. This makes it a great tool for anyone who wants to squeeze out the last couple of pounds on the deadlift. The whip is mostly received in a positive way.
 

Cons of the Ohio deadlift bar

A widespread comment on the deadlift bar is that the knurling is too aggressive. I personally can't see how a professional powerlifter would make this comment, however, they are out there. It is also a barbell which has been build for one purpose only. If you are starting out your home gym or want to appeal to the masses this is not the bar to go for. 
 

Conclusion

The Ohio deadlift bar is a great option as an addition to the existing barbells of a CrossFit gym or as some of the first equipment to buy for a powerlifting gym. You will get a good piece of steel that bends to make the range of motion just that little bit shorter on the deadlift to establish a new PR.

 
 

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Overview and review of the Rogue Freedom bar

 
This overview of the Rogue freedom bar was originally published in my comprehensive guide on which Rogue barbell to buy. If you are currently considering to buy a Rogue barbell it is worth a read to get input on the latest models. I update the guide on a yearly basis depending on Rogue's new releases. 
  
 
Price 395$
 

Overview of the Rogue Freedom bar

 
The rogue freedom bar is a special version of the Ohio bar which bears the American red white and blue. It weighs in at 20kg and has a diameter of 28.5mm. The sleeves are made of chrome and are connected via bushing to the shaft. The shaft coating is cerakote and the loadable sleeve length comes in at 16.40. 
 
There is no centre knurl and it withstands 190K PSI tensile strength with a good whip. The knurling is less aggressive than with powerlifting and weightlifting bars. 
 

Pros of the rogue freedom bar

 
The freedom bar is based on the workhorse Ohio bar, one of the bars which Rogue produces for the longest time. You can rest assured that Rogue knows what they are doing when handling the shaft for this one. The cerakote finish is a new addition to the Rogue portfolio which has been adapted from the weapons industry. This enables better protection against corrosion while providing nicer finishes.
 
If you are patriotic and want to show some colour, this is the bar to go for. It is one of the most intricate designs I have seen on a barbell so far. The technology used for this barbell is also the basis for the custom barbells which rogue recently added to their portfolio.
 
The pricing is also moving closer to the 295$ mid-range Ohio bar, which makes this a good bar for home gyms, small groups or as a replacement for one the retired barbells in your gym. 
 

Cons of the rogue freedom bar

 
If you do not like the design, there is no point in getting this barbell. Especially for commercial uses, you have to consider whether a more neutral design might be the better choice for you. While Cerakote is great against corrosion it is less able to take a beating from plates and banging of other metals. The chrome sleeves will be fine, but take care to avoid banging of the shaft of other things.
 

Conclusion

If you want to show that you are proud to be American this is the bar for you. It builds on a solid base from years of experience from the Rogue Ohio bar and adds the necessary red, white and blue beautifully.
 
 

Topics: Lift stronger, Fitness, Rogue