Rogue Ohio power bar vs Operator bar
This is a comparison of the Rogue Ohio 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 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$/425$
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.