Rogue Freedom bar vs Safety squat bar
This is a comparison of the Rogue Freedom bar and the Safety Squat bar including pros, cons, and alternatives. Follow the links for more details
Overview and review of the Rogue Safety Squat bar
This overview of the Rogue safety 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$
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Overview of the Rogue Safety bar
This is a bar out of the speciality bar selection of Rogue. Safety bar squats are especially popular among powerlifters. The idea is that the squats become less taxing on your body while still being able to train your posterior chain longer and harder. A very popular combination os to do safety bar squats to a box. You might want to consider to pick up one of Rogue boxes to be able to perform the movement.
The Rogue safety bar is tested at 1000lbs and 70lb/35kg. It has a frame and padding attached to it so that you can fully focus on your legs. There will be less balancing needed as with a normal barbell. Also, your elbows will not suffer as much as with extensive heavy squatting.
Safety bar squats are not ideal for beginners. You need to build basic strength first to be able to progress to this beast. Do not think that 140kg of back squat with a barbell is the same as with the safety bar. The name can be a little misleading.
Pros of the safety bar
The safety bar is very popular with seasoned powerlifters. The older you get the more wear and tear your body shows. Especially when you have been lifting heavy for decades. The safety bar addresses these issues. You can lift heavy weights without taxing your ligaments and shoulders as much.
Cons of the safety bar
This bar can only be used for squats. If you only have a budget of 400 USD for the bar in your home gym do not get this bar. The same goes for gyms. Most of your clients will be intimated by the size of this beast and not know how to use it. You probably will only need one unless you are specialised in powerlifting. It is also huge and awkward to store. It fits on the lowest position of the gun rack. Know exactly why you want this bar before purchasing it. Otherwise, you have 395USD gathering dust in your basement. If the price tag is too high you can also opt for the camber bar. The camber bar comes in at a lower price and has a similar effect to the safety bar with less material protecting the lifter.
Conclusion
The Rogue Safety bar is a great tool for seasoned powerlifters to take stress of their lower backs and still train hard. You will also be able to mix things up a little more. You can also look int the Rogue Rhino Belt Squat as an alternative.
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.
