TITAN EZ Load hex bar vs Rogue Ohio power bar [Article, Video]
This is a comparison of the TITAN EZ load hex bar and the Rogue Ohio power bar. Follow the links for more detail.
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$/425$
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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.
Overview and review of the TITAN EZ Load Hex bar
The Titan EZ load hex bar will put you back about $150. 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 EZ load hex bar
The
EZ load hex bar is a great tool for experienced athletes who want to train their grip or rehab patients who want to get into the deadlift to reap its benefits. The
EZ bar is raised from the floor which makes it easier to load plates. You stand inside the frame to lift the weight which makes it less taxing on your back. The features and specifics are:
EZ hex bar details:
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raised plate holders for easy loading
-
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3 different grip diameters, 1", 1.5", and 2" Just rotate to change grips!
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Knurled Handles.
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10" of loadable sleeve length
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Fits 2" Olympic Plates.
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Weight plates holders at 10" off the ground.
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Weight: 54 LB
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Length: 66.33"
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Width: 30.9"
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Height: 10"
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Sleeve length: 10"
A great bar to experiment and develop different types of strength.
Pros of the EZ hex bar
The
EZ hex bar is an innovative concept you do not find in every gym. Different options to train your grip can be especially interesting for Strongman athletes. Additionally, also the easy load option, as they usually have to get a lot of plates on their bar. Beginners will struggle less and still get the benefits of a
hex bar.
Cons of the EZ hex bar
There are moving parts which means that it is more prone to break after heavy use. This means gym environments with 100s of reps a day by inexperienced lifters or very, very big guys and ladies. As TITAN is known for shortcuts on their welding and finish this is something to be mindful about with this item.
Alternatives to the TITAN EZ hex bar
The
Titan hex bar would be an option with fewer moving parts which makes it more robust and less prone to quality issues.
The
Rogue trap bar would be an alternative which costs more and has no options for different grips. In return, the finish of Rogue is usually more consistent in quality.
If you want an easy to load trap bar with an inbuilt jacking system and different grips go for the
Trap bar from Kabuki strength. This will be top-notch engineering which comes with a price tag to reflect the craftsmanship going into this bar.
Summary for the EZ hex bar
A great addition for your arsenal, but probably get a normal
hex bar first.