Rogue Freedom bar vs Camber bar
This is a comparison of the Rogue Freedom bar and the Camber bar including pros, cons, and alternatives. Follow the links for more details
Overview and review of the Rogue Camber bar
This overview of the camber 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 295$
Overview of the Rogue Camber bar
The
camber bar is another variation of the
specialty
bars of
Rogue. It is very similar to the
safety bar with a few differences. The first is that the hands can be placed lower on the frame. This helps even more with athletes suffering from a shoulder injury. The other difference is that the weight swings more during the movement. This helps with bigger core activation. While the
safety bar lets you squat more weight deeper the camber
bar actively works on balance.
The
camber bar comes in at a weight of 85lb. The shafts fit regular clips and plates. The
camber bar comes fully welded. Pay special attention to quality when you buy
specialty
bars. The production process is usually less
mechanized
than for barbells. You need a good welding job to be safe. Yes, you can get these bars a lot cheaper from craigslist. However, you might end up with a terrible welding job.
Pros of the Camber bar
The
camber bar is unusual and will challenge your athletes. Not a lot of people have ever seen, nevermind used a
camber bar in the real world. Combining the
camber bar and
safety bar is especially useful for strongmen who have to get used to moving weights at different angles and positions. If you want to use this as a cheaper replacement for a
Yoke carry be cautious You can not put this
bar down in the middle of the walk.
Cons of the Camber bar
This
bar already weighs 85lb unloaded. It is also very cumbersome and awkward to store. This is a tool for big gyms with lots of floor space. If you are already constrained for space this is not the
bar to get. It is also more challenging than the safety
bar. If you are a beginner deciding between a safety and camber
bar, go for the
safety bar.
Conclusion
The rogue camber bar is a good tool especially for strongman training.Alternatives can be the Rogue safety bar or a Rhino hip belt squat to take tension off the shoulders and wrists.
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.
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.