TITAN Blues City power bar vs Rogue Freedom bar [Article, Video]

This is a comparison of the TITAN Blues city power bar and the Rogue freedom bar. Follow the links for more detail.

Overview and review of the Rogue Freedom bar

This overview of the Rogue freedom 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 395$

What else to consider from Rogue

Overview of the Rogue Freedom bar

The rogue freedom bar is a special version of the Ohio bar which 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 is cerakote and the loadable sleeve length comes in at 16.40.

There is no centre knurl and it withstands 190K PSI tensile strength with a good whip. The knurling is less aggressive than with powerlifting and weightlifting bars.

Pros of the rogue freedom bar

The freedom bar is based on the workhorse Ohio bar, one of the bars which Rogue produces for the longest time. You can rest assured that Rogue knows what they are doing when handling the shaft for this one. The cerakote finish is a new addition to the Rogue portfolio which has been adapted from the weapons industry. This enables better protection against corrosion while providing nicer finishes.

If you are patriotic and want to show some colour, this is the bar to go for. It is one of the most intricate designs I have seen on a barbell so far. The technology used for this barbell is also the basis for the custom barbells which rogue recently added to their portfolio.

The pricing is also moving closer to the 295$ mid-range Ohio bar, which makes this a good bar for 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.

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

Overview and review of the Blues City power bar

The Blues City Power bar will put you back about $300. TITAN is well known for their very good prices compared to their competition and will get you started on your home gym. This review was originally posted in “which barbell to get from TITAN”.

Overview of the Blues City power bar

The blues city power bar is especially geared towards powerlifters and their needs. This is achieved by less whip in the bar, higher PSI strength, and more aggressive knurling. This provides better grip and less movement in the bar which can get challenging especially on very heavy squats and bench presses. There is a case to be made that whip actually helps the deadlift as it shortens the distance the weight has to be pulled especially for sumo deadlifts. The TITAN power barbell comes in black. The features and specifications of this barbell are:

Barbell details

Made In The USA with 100% US sourced materials.
Center knurling.
Oxide shaft to prevent corrosion and abrasions.
Power Lifting knurl marks with aggressive knurling.
Zinc sleeves with Bronze Bushings for consistent spins.
High tensile strength.
Provides little to no whip.
Weight: 20kg
Overall Length: 86.25”
Shaft Grip Diameter: 28.5mm
Overall Outside Knurling Width: 17”
Center Knurling Width: 5”
Tensile Strength: 200,000 PSI
Loadable Sleeve Length: 16.125 per sleeve
Shaft Length: 51.5”
Shaft Color: Black Oxide
Sleeve Material: Zinc
Bushings/Bearings: Bronze Bushings
Knurl Type: Aggressive Knurling

A good option for powerlifters who want something special at a reasonable price.

Pros of the power bar

This bar comes with center knurling, aggressive knurling, and stiff steel. It will hold chalk better than other TITAN models and therefore give the little edge for your powerlifting. Compared to the market it also comes at a reasonable price.

Cons of the power bar

If you want to use it for multiple people who are not that dedicated to training, they might complain that this bar is too aggressive on their hands. Experienced weightlifters will prefer a bar with whip to use the momentum to get more weight over their heads.

Alternatives to the TITAN power bar

You can have a look at the following alternatives to the TITAN power bar:

Alternatives to the TITAN Blues City are

The Titan Atlas bar is a great option from TITAN to save money when you buy in bulk while still providing great service to your clients. The Atlas bar is the all-around workhorse out of the TITAN portfolio.

The Rogue Pyrros bar has been co-designed by Rogue and three-time Olympic weightlifting champion Pyrros Dimas. It has recently been approved by the IWF to be used at official competitions.

The Rogue Ohio power bar is the powerlifting adaptation of the Rogue Ohio bar. This barbell has recently been approved by the IPF to be officially used in their competitions.

Summary for the TITAN power bar

This is a good budget option for the ambitious home powerlifter on a budget. If you are buying multiples you might want to go to the Atlas bar. If you are planning a professional competition look into the Rogue and Eleiko portfolio to use approved barbells.