Rogue Freedom bar vs Operator bar
This is a comparison of the Rogue Freedom 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 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.