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Rogue Operator bar vs Castro bar

Posted by Pascal Landshoeft

Jul 8, 2020 9:00:00 AM

Rogue Operator bar vs Castro bar

This is a comparison of the Rogue Operator bar and the Castro bar including pros, cons, and alternatives. Follow the links for more details

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Overview and review of the Rogue Castro bar [Article, Video]

This is an overview of the Rogue Castro bar which is made of bare steel and therefore very cost efficient. This article was originally oublished under "Which Rogue barbell to buy". Follow the links to learn more.

 

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Price 275$

 

Overview

 

The Castro bar is a bare steel bar which comes closest to what you find in most commercial gyms. This is the lowest price tag you can get from Rogue for a full barbell. This makes it a good fit for anyone on a budget who has to buy a lot of barbells or expects them to be stored outside/transported often. For those scenarios, it is a waste of money to get anything that it pretty or elaborate in function.

 

The Castro bar weighs 20kg and comes in at 28.5mm diameter. It can take up to 190K PSI tensile strength with a good whip. The knurling is standard and the sleeves are attached via bushing. The loadable sleeve length is 16.50. Based on this it is the lowest priced multi-purpose bar available from rogue. Other bars are either special use or designed for children.

 

The Castro bar is the option to go for if you want to go spend as little as possible while still maximising the training options. If your gym/facility can also live with the fact, that these bars might look quite beaten up pretty fast, even better. 

 

Pros of the Castro bar

 

The ultimate reason for the Castro bar are the costs. You still get a Rogue bar which is made in the United States at relatively low prices. The bar still goes through the same basic quality checks and holds a warranty. There are other vendors out there who might send you a bar with a lower price tag. Think twice whether you will get the same customer service, warranty and quality checks which only slightly retails over the cost of the raw materials, never mind the labour. 

 

Cons of the Castro bar

 

A big con of the Castro bar is the bare steel. This finish is likely to show corrosion and use. This means you will need to take more care of it and maintain it more often. If you already have the labour and the necessary equipment to clean bare steel, you might even turn this into a plus. If you want to drill discipline into a bunch of new recruits you might get in a barbell cleaning session once a month on top of the other equipment maintenance you do. 

 

Learn more about the specs of the Rogue Castro bar and purchase on the Rogue website

 

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.

 
 

Topics: Lift stronger, Fitness, Rogue