Rogue LB-3 log bar vs Ohio deadlift bar
This is a comparison of the Rogue LB-3 Log bar and the Ohio deadlift 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 Ohio deadlift bar
This overview of the Ohio deadlift 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: 355$
Overview of the deadlift barbell
The
knurling on this barbell has been made extra aggressive to
minimise
chalk need or
maximize
the grip strength when chalk is applied. The loadable sleeve length is 15.50. There is one version in zinc and another with raw steel available.
Overall,
this bar gets very good reviews for the purpose of deadlifting. Be aware that when you purchase this
bar, it is specially built for deadlifting. It is a great addition to your arsenal when the basic needs are covered. For your first purchase, you might want to look at the
Ohio bar,
Ohio power bar,
freedom bar or
chan bar before moving to this piece of equipment.
Pros of the Ohio deadlift bar
The
Ohio deadlift bar is special as it is one of the few cheaper bars from
Rogue with a great whip. The only other
bar which has this is the
training bar. This makes it a great tool for anyone who wants to squeeze out the last couple of pounds on the deadlift. The whip is mostly received in a positive way.
Cons of the Ohio deadlift bar
Conclusion
The Ohio deadlift bar is a great option as an addition to the existing barbells of a CrossFit gym or as some of the first equipment to buy for a powerlifting gym. You will get a good piece of steel that bends to make the range of motion just that little bit shorter on the deadlift to establish a new PR.
Overview and review of the Rogue LB-3 log bar
This is an overview of Rogue LB-3 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 Rogue LB-3 12 log bar
Price: $595
The
LB-3 log bar is the biggest log bar in the Rogue Line up and made to spec for strongman competitions. It can hold up to 1000lb and already weighs 130lbs when empty. The full specifications of the
LB-3 log bar are:
-
Made in Columbus, OH, USA
-
12" Diameter Strongman Log
-
Total Length: 80.75"
-
11-gauge steel construction
-
Handles: Neutral-grip, 1.25” diameter, set 24” apart
-
Finish: Black Powdercoat
-
Laser-cut Rogue logo
This is the big daddy of logs you can buy off the shelf from Rogue. The extra-wide design is best for huge athletes that otherwise have problems fitting their arms into the mold without touching off the metal. Be aware that this is already a beast without any plates added. So do not buy this unless you are big or have quite a few big guys in your gym.
Pros of the Rogue 12 log bar
-
Prepares for competition
-
Made for big athletes
-
Sturdy design
This log bar is so big that it will prepare you for anything that a strongman competition will throw at you. If you can handle the size and weight the design is also safer for bigger athletes. What can often be a problem with log bars is that they are made to be big, but of cheap, thin material which makes them prone to deform or bend the plate pins when dipped. Not with the
LB 3 which is the high quality we are used to from Rogue.
Cons of the Rogue 12 log bar
The
12 log bar comes in at $595. For a specialty bar that you will not use that often, that is a high price. Let’s face it, most mere mortals will use this once, maybe twice a week. If you are not a strongman athlete this piece of metal takes up a huge space and a big chunk out of your wallet.
Alternatives to the Rogue 12 log bar
The
rogue strongman sandbags can be a good alternative to the log bar. If you want to get big weights from the ground to your shoulder you can also do this with these bags which weigh between 100lb to 400lb when filled with sand. They can also be emptied and stored and transported easier than a log bar. Of course, the Dow side is that they are not log-shaped and have no handles.
The
rogue rubber atlas stones are another alternative for strongman training. These try to emulate a real stone as close as possible. You will get a perfect sphere that is ready-made. The weight ranges from 50lb to 200lb. These are ready-made with an iron core. No filling or deforming and even if they get a cut they still work. The only downside is where to store them and that they can. It be adjusted.
The LB1 and LB2 are log bar variations that are smaller than the
LB-3. The LB1 weighs 72lb empty while the LB2 comes in at 50lb. These might be the better variations to use on a commercial gym as they are smaller and lighter.
Conclusion for the Rogue 12 log bar
The
Rogue 12 log bar is the tool for the professional strongman/strongwoman to prepare himself or herself for the next competition. With 130lb starting weight, it does not have many applications for normal-sized athletes or hobby strongmen. You get what you pay for and it is an excellent piece of equipment. I question whether most people will need it and you can save money and space by going for one of the smaller options.