Rogue Freedom bar vs Ohio power bar
This is a comparison of the Rogue Freedom bar and the Ohio power bar including pros, cons, and alternatives. Follow the links for more details
Overview and Review of the Rogue Ohio Power bar
This overview of the Ohio power 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$/425$
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Overview of the Rogue Ohio Power bar
The
rogue Ohio power bar is one of the IPF approved barbells from
rogue. To be used in competitions barbells have been tested and approved by the association you want to compete in. The IPF is one of the most respected and well-known federations in the world. This means that you can simulate powerlifting competition standards in your own gym. If you are a powerlifting gym intending to hold a competition at a national or international you should have at least one IPF approved barbell. Three might be even better depending on how many athletes are invited.
The Rogue Ohio Power bar comes in two versions. One in Zinc and the other in stainless steel. The zinc version withstands 200K PSI tensile strength while the other withstands 205K tensile strength. The
bar weighs 20kg and has a diameter of 29mm. The loadable sleeve length is 16.875. The sleeves are attached to the shaft with bushing. The
Ohio power bar has no whip and aggressive knurling.
The
Ohio power bar is described as one of the best options for powerlifting on a budget. The 325$ option brings it very close to the bread and butter
Ohio bar. If you don't want any intricate designs and you are focused on powerlifting, this is the
bar to get. You might want to toss up between the westside barbell and the
Ohio bar. If you compare like for like (in this case zinc for zinc) you get a stiffer
bar with less aggressive knurling from the
westside barbell and a less stiff barbell with more aggressive knurling with the
Ohio power bar.
Pros of the Ohio power bar
The
Rogue Ohio power bar is a good value for money
bar for someone who wants to start a home gym with powerlifting focus. If you can spare a couple of extra dollars compared to the
Ohio bar it will be worth your while. The other options to consider are the
deadlift bar,
thor bar and
westside bar if you do not care that much for overhead lifts.
Cons of the Ohio power bar
The
Rogue Ohio power bar has not been designed to be dropped continuously from overhead. While you can do it the lack of whip will show more wear and tear on the bushing and the
bar itself. It will also behave suboptimally during clean and jerks and snatches if the main focus of your training or gym is weightlifting. If you want to invest while on a budget into a solid weightlifting barbell goes for the
training bar instead.
Conclusion
If you are focused on powerlifting and do not want to pay for a Rogue westside or Thor barbell, the rogue Ohio power bar is the way to go.
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$
What else to consider from Rogue
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.