Rogue LB-1 Log bar vs Pyrros bar

This is a comparison of the Rogue LB-1 Log bar and the Pyrros bar including pros, cons, and alternatives. It was published first under which rogue specialty bar to get. Follow the links for more details.

Overview and review of the Rogue Pyrros bar

This overview of the Rogue Pyrros 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: 595$

Overview of the Pyrros bar

The rogue Pyrros bar was designed by Rogue in cooperation with Pyrros Dymas. Pyrros Dymas is one of the greatest legends in weightlifting. He won three gold medals in 1992, 1996 and at the 2000 Olympic games. He now works in the US as a trainer.

The Pyrros bar weighs 20kg, resists 200K Tensile strength and comes with a Diameter of 28mm. The sleeves spin via bearing which makes it a barbell which is ideal for weightlifting. Due to Pyrros specifications, the lubricant and knurling have been further optimised for weightlifters.

The shaft is made of stainless steel while the sleeves are made of Chrome. The loadable sleeve length is 16.30. There is no 15kg version of the Pyrros bar. Rogue might want to consider a Christine Girard version for gender balance and to appeal to their Canadian clients.

Pros of the Pyrros bar

The Pyrros bar is made of the best material available and built to the highest specifications. If your weightlifting team wants to connect with one of the greatest of all time this is the bar to go for. You will get the perfect spin, grip and material deserving of a champion. Do not underestimate the psychological effect this can have for your athletes especially in the last few weeks before the competition. Connecting with the greatest helps visualisation and might give the deciding edge in competition.

This bar is the crown jewel addition to any gym that is focused on weightlifting. Get it to make your athletes or members feel special when you have competitions or test their one repetition maximum.

Cons of the Pyrros bar

The most obvious reason against it is the price tag. At 595$ it is almost twice as expensive as the Ohio bar. If you have to equip a military facility, university gym or commercial gym it is not really an option unless you are flush with cash. For powerlifting gyms, it also might not be the best choice as it has been optimised for overhead lifts, not for deadlifts and bench presses. If you want a bar for your powerlifting gym which has great whip you might be better off going for the Ohio deadlift bar.

Conclusion

The Rogue Pyrros bar is a fine tuned tool for champions by a champion. Have one in your weightlifting gym to invoke inspirational goals in your athletes. Have little games to earn the right to train with it. Treat it with respect and be happy that the Olympic spirit is still alive and well.

Learn more about the specs of the Pyrros barbell and purchase on the Rogue website

Overview and review of the LB-1 Log bar

This is an overview of Rogue LB-1 log bar including pros, cons, and alternatives. It was published first under which rogue specialty bar to get. Follow the links for more details.

Overview of the LB-1 bar

Price:$465

The LB-1 log bar is the original log bar from Rogue and comes in at a weight of 72lb. This is the mid-range log bar which will cover most needs. The sleeves of this bar are smaller in diameter than a regular barbell, so make sure to get an axle collar to go with this log to secure your plates. The full specifications of this bar are:

Weight: 72LB
10" diameter laser cut steel tube 1/8" thick
Fully welded end & internal plates
Solid 0.375" round bar protection on openings
Handle Spacing: 26" on center
1.66" diameter neutral grip handles
14" Loadable Sleeve Length
Laser-cut Rogue logo!

This is a good tool to get for a man cave as an additional challenge to spice up the barbell routine.

Pros of the LB-1 bar

Pros of the LB-1 log bar are:

Mid-range price
Robust craftsmanship
Neutral grip

This is a great tool to add to your arsenal, if you like strongman training and to lift awkward objects. For presses and rows, it also offers a neutral grip which is easier on the wrists than a straight barbell. Compared to the other log bar models from Rogue the LB-1 is bang in the middle from a price and size perspective. As with most Rogie products, the craftsmanship is great and this will hold up forever.

Cons of the LB-1 bar

the cons of the LB-1 bar are:

Too heavy to appeal to everyone in a commercial gym
Other alternatives for neutral grip training available
Not strongman competition dimension

With 72lb empty weight the log bar weighs roughly the same as a trap bar, but your leverage to move it is a lot worse. This might make it not the best choice for a commercial gym that wants to add a little fun. The LB-2 might the better option here as it starts at 51lbs and can still be loaded with plates to make it heavier. If a neutral grip is what you are after for rows and presses, you can also consider the different Multi-grip bars from Rogue as an alternative. These are a lot easier to store on the rack than the log bar. Lastly, most logs in strongman competitions are bigger than the LB-1. If you are a big guy, get the proper simulation of the real world and go for the LB-3 instead.

Alternatives to the LB-1 bar

Alternatives to the LB-1 are:

The LB-2 and LB-3 log bar are the big and small brother of the LB-1. Rogue started with the LB-1 and quickly realized that log bars of different sizes might be a good idea. The result was the LB-2 and LB-3. While the LB-3 is aimed at the biggest of us, the LB-2 is the entry log bar. If you are buying for a commercial gym go with the smaller one to appeal to more people. If you are a monster, go for the LB-3.

The multi-grip rogue bars are another option to consider if you are looking for bar with a neutral grip, but also do not want to make it too complex to work in a rack. The log bars can be quite awkward if you do not lift them from the ground with a pad. If the neutral grip is your main concern you might be better off with getting one of the Rogue-Multi grip bars.

If you are looking into the Rogue log bar to pick up a weight and lift it to the shoulder, then the Rogue strongman bags might be a better option for you. They take up less space, cost less, and get a very similar training result. Of course, they are just a mere simulation of real strongman events, but for mixing up your training they are great.

Conclusion for the LB-1

The LB-1 log bar is the right log bar for anyone who has a home gym with enough space and is dedicated too mixing up their training. It is not too small or too big, so if you know your way around lifting, this is the right one to get. If you are considering a log bar for your commercial gym, I personally think you are better off by getting the LB-2. This will appeal to more people as it is easier to handle and still something different and novice. If you are huge and gorilla stong, meaning you already can over head press 100kg, then leave the toys and go directly to the LB-3.