American Barbell: Mammoth Bar Review

[@michaelradloff2318]

Bro. I've had the Mammoth for a few months now, and I will preface what I am going to say by making it clear the Mammoth is my favorite, go-to BB out of all my BBs. I have the Rogue Ohio PB, as well, with SS shaft and sleeves as a point of comparison. That said, I think you severely understated the knurl. The knurl is extremely passive in my opinion, at least for a PB. I tend to think most people want aggressive knurl on a PB, and this BB is not it. I have my Ohio PB to fall back on when I want aggressive knurl (which is not often for me personally), but I think people should be aware of how passive it is. I also think it is worth pointing out that the shaft is stainless steel (under the cerakote). Additionally, the smooth sleeves (which I also love) are a bit of a differentiator for PBs on the market since the overwhelming majority have grooved/ribbed sleeves. This BB is a work of art and perfect in every way for me personally, but I think the extremely passive knurl keeps it from becoming one of the most popular PBs available. At nearly $600 delivered, consumers expecting some serious knurl and getting this knurl are going to be severely disappointed.

[@suppressedpredatortactics6276]

Thank you for taking the time to give a thoughtful response! First, I have no affiliation with American Barbell. I have nothing to gain from giving them a good review. Knurling is very subjective. Yes, compared to a SS bar, this knurling is passive. However, in my opinion, it is adequate enough for bench, pressing, and squatting. I also think you can get by with it for deadlift, but like I said, it is not an ideal deadlift bar. I agree with your statements, but I wanted to make it clear that I was giving my honest thoughts on the knurling. For me personally, it is enough to be usable. I want to be as honest as I can in my reviews. Thank you again!

[@michaelradloff2318]

@@suppressedpredatortactics6276 Yeah, buddy. I wasn't questioning the integrity of your review. Knurling is subjective, and although (as I mentioned) the Mammoth is my favorite, go-to BB and I love it, the majority of people I believe are expecting much more aggressive knurl on a power bar. I compare the Mammoth knurl to the Rogue Ohio bar knurl. I can't detect any difference between the Ohio Bar knurl and the Mammoth. It is a FANTASTIC bar...a work of art, those sexy recessed welds, smooth sleeves, tight shaft/sleeve tolerance, etc.

[@bw6667]

Hey Michael, i'm currently trying to decide between the stainless steel Ohio PB with stainless steel sleeves and the American Barbell Elite (basically same as Mammoth but a bit less tensile and no cerakote). After doing my research I'm leaning toward American Barbell, but I also really like the idea of a full stainless bar like the Ohio PB. Which would you prefer if you could only get one to last you the next 10 years?

[@michaelradloff2318]

@@bw6667 I think it comes down to knurl preference. Comparing apples/apples, the OPB SS/Chrome is about $60.00 cheaper than the AB Elite SS/Chrome. Hands down, in my view, the AB is the better of the two. HOWEVER... the knurl is passive. MOST people hate a PB with passive knurl. Like I said earlier, the knurl is comparable to the Rogue Ohio knurl. In terms of beauty, quality, and just an exceptionally well made BB, the OPB is awesome, of course, but American Barbell is top of the line. Now, I think you always need to think about resale potential. Let's face it, Rogue's marketing efforts make selling anything with Rogue on it a lot easier and higher return than anything else. Unfortunately, you can't sell the Elite for anything. Just something to keep in mind. The other part of your question was if the SS sleeves on the OPB are worth it. I think not. I absolutely LOVE chrome. I have chrome on every BB I have and every other bar and DB handle (locally coated if needed). I had chrome sleeves on my OPB up until recently. What's the difference? Is it worth the extra $80 or so? I don't think so, but I live in the desert. So, humidity is NEVER a problem for me on anything. Those are the considerations as I see them. If you want to discuss further or potentially video chat to see SS sleeve wear on the OPB or chrome sleeve wear on the Mammoth, etc., send me an email and we can go from there. [e-mail]

[@bw6667]

@@michaelradloff2318 Thank you for all this info! I'm going to get the AB Elite