TITAN Blues City power bar vs Rogue operator bar [Article, Video]
This is a comparison of the TITAN BLues city power bar ad the Rogue operator bar. 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 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.
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Center knurling.
-
Oxide shaft to prevent corrosion and abrasions.
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Power Lifting knurl marks with aggressive knurling.
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Zinc sleeves with Bronze Bushings for consistent spins.
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High tensile strength.
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Provides little to no whip.
-
Weight: 20kg
-
Overall Length: 86.25”
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Shaft Grip Diameter: 28.5mm
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Overall Outside Knurling Width: 17”
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Center Knurling Width: 5”
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Tensile Strength: 200,000 PSI
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Loadable Sleeve Length: 16.125 per sleeve
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Shaft Length: 51.5”
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Shaft Color: Black Oxide
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Sleeve Material: Zinc
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Bushings/Bearings: Bronze Bushings
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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:
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.