This is a comparison of the Rogue Freedom bar and the Toomey bar including pros, cons, and alternatives. Follow the links for more details
Overview and review of the RogueBellabarToomey Edition
This overview of the Toomeybar 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.
TheToomey Editionpays its respect to the 2017 Crossfit champion Tia Clair Toomey. Its basis also comes from the Bellabarand the Cerakote finish is applied to get an arrow design on the shaft. The blue used for thisbaris slightly darker than the one for the Davidsdottirbar.
Thisbarweighs 15kg and has a diameter of 25mm. The sleeves havebushingto make them spin. It has a good whip and is built to IWF specifications for women. It withstands 190K PSI tensile strength and has a loadable sleeve length of 13.00. The knurling is standard. All of these specs make thisbaran all-aroundbarwith a nice design,
With the darker blue, theToomeybarmight be a better fit for certaincoloredpower racks ofRoguethan the Davidsdottirbar. Some also might prefer an arrow on theirbarcompared to a dog. The design is pretty and well executed. As with all of the branded barsRoguemakes good use of the Cerakote finish and is willing to experiment for best results.
Cons of the Toomey Bar
If you do not like the design thisbaris not for you. As with other high gloss bars, it might not be the right choice when you want to buy in bulk for commercial or educational purposes. For this use case the Bellabar, Ohiobaror trainingbarmight be better suited. If you are really hard pressed for the budget when buying in bulk have a look at the Castro and C-70bar.
Conclusion
The Toomey bar is a great addition to your barbells to make the ladies in your gym feel more welcome. If you are planning a home gym this is a good choice of a barbell either for yourself or for your wife depending on who is buying.
This overview of the Rogue freedombar 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
Theroguefreedombaris a special version of theOhiobarwhich 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 iscerakoteand the loadable sleeve length comes in at 16.40.
There is nocentreknurl and it withstands 190K PSI tensile strength with a good whip. The knurling is less aggressive than withpowerliftingand weightlifting bars.
Pros of the rogue freedom bar
Thefreedombaris based on the workhorseOhiobar, one of the bars whichRogueproduces for the longest time. You can rest assured thatRogueknows what they are doing when handling the shaft for this one. Thecerakotefinish is a new addition to theRogueportfolio 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 the295$ mid-range Ohiobar,which makes this a goodbarfor 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.