Rogue Chan bar vs Operator bar
This is a comparison of the Rogue Chan bar and the Operator bar including pros, cons, and alternatives. Follow the links for more details
Overview and review of the Rogue Operator bar
This overview of the Rogue Chan 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: 325$
What else to consider from Rogue
Overview of the Rogue Operator bar
The
operator bar is the version of the
Ohio bar which is most tailored to the military and military enthusiasts. It uses the
Ohio bar as a base and adds different military patterns and
colours
with a Cerakote finish. The Cerakote finish is widely known in the gun industry and the technology has been ported by
Rogue to be used in their barbell finishes.
The
operator bar has a good whip and weighs 20kg. The diameter is 28.5mm and the loadable sleeve length is 16.40. The sleeves are attached to shaft by
bushing. The
operator bar withstands 190K tensile strength and is built for multi-purpose use. The knurling is standard. This is the
bar designed by patriots for patriots.
If you have to equip a gym on a military base in the US this is the bar to go for. Your troops will appreciate that you invested the few extra dollars to get a
bar with a nice design. Especially when morale is down this is a feasible option to lift spirits a little. Of course, if budgets are tight there are also the Castro
bar and
Ohio bar to be bought at bulk friendlier prices for the treasury.
Also
ask
Rogue for special pricing as the military has been given special status in Rogues customer care.
For home gym owners or soldiers that return home, this can also form the little touch which makes it special and personal for you.
Pros of the operator bar
The operator bar can fit any military design and blend in with the troops when off duty or at the base. You will get a high-quality piece of equipment in the middle of the budget range of
rogue. At the same time, you will still not be seen as cheap, as the Cerakote finish is one of the latest developments in the
Rogue portfolio. Of course, if you are a no-nonsense leader, don't make it pretty and go for some of the lower budget options. Whatever is received better by the ones you serve.
Cons of the operator bar
The military theme is not for everyone. If you have a gym that is more frequented by liberal mindsets maybe stay away from this one. There are plenty of other options with more neutral designs to choose from. With the Cerakote finish on the sleeves, it might also be more susceptible to wear and tear than with chrome sleeves.
Conclusion
The Rogue Operator bar is a great option when you are buying for the troops and are not super budget constraint. Watch the space at Rogue for the Cerakote upgrades. There is currently a lot happening with them adopting military grade production processes for metals and coatings. Other options are the Ohio bar or Castro bar.
Overview and review of the Rogue chan bar
This overview of the Rogue Chan 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 Chan bar
The
Matt Chan bar was the first
Rogue barbell to be introduced with an athletes name.
Matt Chan and
Rogue have been working closely in the last few years. You can see this in the many equipment demos done by Matt.
Matt Chan is a former firefighter and finished multiple times in the top ten of the Crossfit games. Since
Rogue updated their Cerakote range they had another go at the
Chan bar design.
The
Chan bar is an
Ohio bar on steroids. You get a better design, a
centre
knurl and a stainless steel shaft for 395$. If you want to spend the extra 100$ USD compared to the
Ohio bar this is the all-purpose
barbell to get. The design was created to fit Olympic and powerlifting needs alike.
The bar comes in at 20kg of weight, 200K tensile strength
and
a Good whip. The diameter is 28.5mm and the sleeves spin via bushing.
Rogue offers two variations on the sleeves, one being
cerakote
the other chrome. It seems that cerakote does not respond well to metal to metal contact. If you want to use
steel plates with the
chan bar maybe opt for the chrome sleéves. The loadable sleeve length is 16.5 which is a bit longer than the other standard bars.
Pros of the Chan bar
This bar has a lot of pros and only a few cons. You get a
stainless steel bar for 100$ USD less compared to the
oly
options. The bit of extra knurling helps with front squats. This is
the best value for money bar you can get above 300USD from
rogue. In addition, you also get a cool design. If you want to do everything in your home gym, this is the one to go for.
Cons of the chan bar
If you have to fit out an entire gym with 10 - 20 barbells 100$ a piece does make a difference.
This bar is also too pretty to be used in military installations or with beginners. For these scenarios, you are probably better off buying the
Ohio,
Castro,
C-70 or
operator bar. The training bar might also be a better option if you only want to do Oly lifts, as it has a better whip at a lower price. The bushing might also not be ideal if you are a competitive weightlifter. The bars you will use in your competition have the bearing.
Conclusion
Matt Chan has been with Rogue barbell and CrossFit for years. If a bar is allowed to carry his name you can rest assured that it is the best you can get for CrossFit or all purpose barbell training. This bar is a good value for money option in the Rogue line up. If you have to buy in bulk there is always the Rogue Ohio bar.