Kabuki Strength Columbia Bar - $450+ Budget Bar?

[@LoveMountainAdventures]

Yes, we'd love to hear about the regular rotation bars and why they are in there lineup!

[@BasementBrandon]

I think I can do that

[@LoveMountainAdventures]

Looking forward to it! @@BasementBrandon

[@Garage_gym48]

Honest and brutal review. Not sure it ticks many boxes. Love the old equipment reviews when they pop up.

[@BasementBrandon]

I don't like to be negative about stuff if I can help it, but I just don't get where this sits in their offering.

[@twistedbarbell3950]

Agree on all points. Sometimes, companies shouldn’t deviate from their true mission statement (in Kabuki’s case, offering “budget” bars). They could lower prices for sure, but not quality or features.

[@BasementBrandon]

agreed!

[@scottb4764]

At the risk of being a barbell nerd myself, I would love a video on your normal barbell rotation. Hell, I wouldn’t mind if you talked about some of the bars that slipped out of your normal rotation and why, too

[@BasementBrandon]

Easy enough!

[@TrainerBigMike]

$450 budget bar 😂😂😂

[@BasementBrandon]

Well I mean better than $800 right?!

[@BasementBrandon]

@@path4061 compare the cheapest Bentley to the most expensive, if I asked you which was the most budget friendly which would you pick?

[@jzen1455]

You can get a blemished version for $250. Remember it's made of high quality steel in the US. It should last a lifetime.

[@joecowan3719]

I love the grippy knurling of my Kabuki bars, I passed on this one for the 28.5mm and heard the build quality was meh. Would love see your current bar rotation video!

[@BasementBrandon]

Think I can make that happen

[@bmstylee]

I'm sure their bars are nice. It's just hard to get excited to pay $500 for that when I can get stainless bars from other manufacturers for the same price.

[@BasementBrandon]

💯

[@reginaldchesterfield8110]

Thanks for the review brandon! I feel bad as kabuki (to put out a bar below expectations) but i appreciate your honest feedback about how the noise, knurling and width differences may affect the end user.

[@BasementBrandon]

I try to frame things on who a piece is for and who it isn't for, but this one just is a miss for me.

[@NoFate247]

I want to know what bar you grab when the cameras aren't rolling

[@BasementBrandon]

Hey now!

[@adambomb611]

Need Kabuki to run 25% off their deadlift bar for Black Friday

[@MetalsForBrunch]

they will run the deal but charge shipping and taxes. Right now they have 5% with free shipping no taxes. either way u end up with the same deal.

[@sagaking9736]

They run 15% off last year and it's already the largest sale in recent years. Don't think 25% off is possible.

[@Tlevy2]

They had at least a 15% sale off a few weeks ago...I would be patient if you really want a kabuki bar

[@adambomb611]

15% wouldn’t make it worth it to me over a Texas Deadlift Bar. They are running 25% off their power bar right now. Still holding out hope they can do it for their deadlift bar.

[@MetalsForBrunch]

@@adambomb611 not for nickel powerbar.

[@SteezySteez2011]

Kabuki's cool, but tbh I feel like Rogue makes better power bars in terms of knurling. I bought a blem or closeout Kabuki Power Bar, and it's cool, but tbh, I prefer the knurl of an Ohio Power Bar.

[@BasementBrandon]

Agreed. I think Rogue gets a lot of shit b/c it's more "mainstream" and still has a large crossfit presence.

[@CraigularjJoeWoodworks]

I’ll give it to ya strait, after watching and reading ALL kabuki reviews and content I decided not to buy from them because there were quality concerns. I sympathize that it’s a small batch type of shop but that doesn’t help me overlook the concerns floating and wafting around. The warranty also didn’t look any better for the price either… at 250k tensile I had concerns about how brittle or breakable the bar was

[@BasementBrandon]

I think that's pretty fair.

[@jzen1455]

The distance between inner part of the collars is shorter by 2-3 inches compared to most other bar, which more than offsets the distance of the outer part of the slighter wider collars. This can make it more prone to banging on the uprights of a power cage or the j-hooks or more prone to misracking. But with the weight plates closer in, I find it slightly easier to balance the bar compared to the Texas Power bar that has both wider collars and a longer distance between collars.

[@BasementBrandon]

It has the standard distance between collars, i'm not sure what bars you're using that are 2-3 inches wider!

[@jzen1455]

@@BasementBrandon Try placing a Texas Power Bar side-by-side with the Kabuki Columbia bar, and you'll see what I mean.

[@BasementBrandon]

@@jzen1455 I have. The inside distance is mostly identical, the outside distance differs due to the thicker collars on the TPB.

[@jzen1455]

@@BasementBrandon Very odd. My gym has 3 Columbia Bars and they are shorter in overall length and have closer in collars compared to most other bars. I wonder if having been purchased over a year ago (different batch) has something to do with it?

[@brianhopkins5251]

I also would like to see your normal rotation bars and why.

[@BasementBrandon]

🫡

[@HarrisonHarmon]

Month later, Columbia Bar is now discontinued (close out price of $250 for Black Oxide) and the Power Bar now has a starting price point of $500.

[@BasementBrandon]

Yeah I believe the Columbia is discontinued.

[@HarrisonHarmon]

@@BasementBrandon just wild to see the staple power bar now priced so similarly to their former "budget" bar. Curious if they'll send you an Oregon Bar to review, as I haven't really heard much in difference between the two budget bars.

[@skibmbp]

I would be interested in hearing with all your bars what you find yourself coming back to or letting gather dust.

[@BasementBrandon]

Will do

[@Tlevy2]

I like my kabuki 250k power bar but if I had to do it again, there are many other great options out there...not interested in this bar right now. I think we need a review of the Rep swag you were so casually wearing.

[@BasementBrandon]

Yeah I think if you're going to spend that much money there are some more appealing options

[@SteezySteez2011]

You're spot on tbh, I feel the same way. It's great, but it's not as special as the pricetag implies.

[@carps_gym]

Now with all the kabuki changes and it’s in the legacy collection that’s being discontinued. How do you feel about it at $230?

[@BasementBrandon]

It's in the conversation more, but it still has it's issues (like the loose tolerances).

[@BrimhallBarbellClub]

Just pulled the trigger on the Legacy collection Columbia Bar raw. With tax and shipping it was $282.94.

[@BasementBrandon]

You're on a barbell buying spree!

[@BrimhallBarbellClub]

I blame you! 😅

[@BrimhallBarbellClub]

@@BasementBrandon would it be accurate to say that this bar wad kind of Kabuki’s attempt at their own version of the 28.5 mm Texas power bar? Or is that a stretch?

[@BasementBrandon]

​@@BrimhallBarbellClub No I don't think so. I think they were thinking "this bar is less than our current power bar and people will flock to it". Didn't work out so well lol.

[@MetalsForBrunch]

titan fitness bar, texas power bar 29mm in bare steel, boneyard rogue bars, and elite fts bars on sale are probably budget friendly.

[@BasementBrandon]

Def can get some decent bars at a lower price point.

[@MetalsForBrunch]

​​@@BasementBrandonright now Columbia bar is on sale for $250 shipped and I think it's priced a lot better with this current sale.

[@BasementBrandon]

@@MetalsForBrunch def an easier pill to swallow but it's only for raw finish which leads me to believe they'll be discontinuing the bar and these are just the left over stock that never went to the final finishing phases. We will see!

[@ReyEscajeda]

I have the Duffalo bar in nickel and really enjoy it along with their Kadillac bar. Aspire to get the 250K power bar in nickel as well. Looked at the columbia bar as an option. However at 28.5mm it seems more of a CrossFit bar then a power bar.

[@BasementBrandon]

Yeah Kabuki seems to have dropped the ball on a lot of the nickel applications the past few years :(

[@Rocket4ce]

My E coat Ohio bar at 28.5 is great for about 200 dollars less.

[@BasementBrandon]

Right on! For my style of lifting (powerlifting) I prefer a 29mm with a center knurl. But the Ohio is a great all rounder.

[@928guy]

Any chance of a review of the Kabuki Oregon Power Barbell ?

[@BasementBrandon]

Never say never, but it's not very appealing to me, looks just like a rebranded columbia bar.

[@MikeGuadango]

Hollywood Duffin and his $450 budget bar. Pass the $100 chinisium one please

[@BasementBrandon]

😂

[@sagaking9736]

Because of its advertisement of 9 unique movements, it has become a meme bar, especially in GGR FB group.

[@BasementBrandon]

💯

[@Invictus13666]

Another good video. Still not getting the whole Kabuki thing but that’s totally a me thing. How’s the Williams leg curlstension holding up?

[@BasementBrandon]

Still going strong!

[@Invictus13666]

@@BasementBrandon I’m old enough to remember when you said you were going to do a review once you had some time on it 😉🤣

[@babygiantbarbell1014]

Ouch. Putting a bar with these issues out at that price is rough. Honestly disappointed in Kabuki

[@BasementBrandon]

I do like Kabuki and what they're doing, but I think they're facing some issues any small team can face with extreme growth. I'm sure they'll figure it out!

[@ClarksvilleBarbellClub]

I think I have seen the Columbia bar for $299 lately. Maybe that was the bare steel version or a sale price. I was going to order some to compare to the Ohio Power Bar. $450 is definitely not a budget price for me. 😅

[@BasementBrandon]

They discontinued it and replaced with the Oregon bar, which looks to be the same bar just rebranded.

[@ClarksvilleBarbellClub]

@@BasementBrandon ah! Gotcha. Still 28.5 diameter?

[@Herr2Cents]

I think home gyms are becoming 2 boujee. I have the Texas Power Bar 29 mm, and it's affordable.

[@BasementBrandon]

I wouldn't say they are, I would say though that the people who tend to like to post about their gym on KZbin or IG are probably those who don't mind spending money on nicer things.

[@Herr2Cents]

@BasementBrandon Yes,I see the posts. They are nice setups, and the ascetic is nice. I was brought up on rusty equipment like a universal machine and york plates. We used to tie dumbells on a bar because we didn't have enough plates. Though that was rare. Equipment surely has evolved.

[@brandonhoover2120]

They’re having a power bar sale. Got the 250k Pink power bar for 550 shipped.

[@BasementBrandon]

It's interesting to me they seem to be trying to get rid of all the cerakote.

[@brandonhoover2120]

@@BasementBrandon Maybe as the sale is only cerakote. But this pink bar for breast cancer only came out a couple weeks ago. Still excited to finally try it!

[@bigk2080]

Came for the bar stayed for the J-cups.

[@BasementBrandon]

my man

[@LL-tz8lo]

first! thanks for the banner and rep band pegs!

[@BasementBrandon]

Always!

[@timlee5260]

I’m done buying bars for awhile since I don’t lift heavy enough for it to make much of a difference. My Rep all stainless power bar is good enough for my level. Who knows, maybe I’ll treat myself to a Kabuki one day, but it would be their 250k power bar as I would skip over the 190k bar. It’s not much better than what I have now so what would be the point.

[@BasementBrandon]

Yeah and the 250k bars are on sale right now for certain finishes!

[@noahholthaus8453]

For someone who does train more strength/ powerlifting what bench would you recommend? I'm open to an adjustable because of the exercise variety options.

[@BasementBrandon]

For good quality to price ratio, I almost always suggest something from REP. They have a wide variety from budget to bougie.

[@yevgeniyfiskin4781]

They really missed the mark here. At first it was supposed to be a 28.5mm multi-use bar. It could have really stood on it's own. They would have had to put dual knurl marks on it, figure out the bushings so that they have decent spin, and tone down the knurl to medium. There are actually not that many 28.5mm multi-use bars out there on the market that also have a center knurl. Instead they turned into 250k power bar lite. It's possible that their product development is stuck in the powerlifting echo chamber which makes developing a truly great multi-use bar impossible. It could have been a nice pairing with their bumper plates.

[@richardmather1906]

So, something like a Matt Chan bar? Before I bought by bar I started out looking for 28.5 and center knurl. Agree, not a ton of choices. Ended up with a power bar with the same kind of knurl I was looking for in the beginning (American Barbell, love their knurling).

[@yevgeniyfiskin4781]

@@richardmather1906 Chan bar is nice, but In my opinion a standard Ohio Bar with a center knurl would have been even better. I think that the standard Ohio bar knurl is passive enough not to be bothersome in the front rack. Also I am not a fan of cutting the outer knurl short like the Chan bar has. Different people have different preferences on where they place their hands.

[@BasementBrandon]

I think the knurl here is good for a multi use (at least the cerakoted one I have). It's grippy but still pretty tame. Based off the spec sheet it sounds like it was going to be an ohio bar competitor, but instead we get the lite power bar.

[@SmokinBuddha]

You can buy a nice barbell at Texas Power Bar for $450 or cheaper.

[@BasementBrandon]

Yeah a bare steel TPB starts at around 300 these days. Better priced for sure.

[@LoveMountainAdventures]

Waiting for the 16 Chewy!!

[@BasementBrandon]

Same!

[@user-tm6fx7pn4e]

Feely touchy!!! Lol. One day I will get the nickel, one day.

[@BasementBrandon]

Back in stock now! Low price of $799 before shipping/tax lol.

[@user-tm6fx7pn4e]

@@BasementBrandon lol I messed up when it was a lot cheaper. I got the stainless steel Ohio power bar, which I love.

[@StephColbertsonStrength]

Kabuki as a company seems a bit disorganized haha. We have a few of these at my gym. Aesthetically they look very nice but compared to the one 250k we have it’s not even close in quality. However, as we’re in Portland OR, about a 25 minute drive from Kabuki, I’m guessing we got a deal on the kabuki equipment we have, and that’s why we have more Columbia bars than Ohio Power Bars.

[@BasementBrandon]

Sounds like a nice gym!

[@rpe10]

hansu quick release belt ?

[@BasementBrandon]

Lol good eye. They sent me one to test out.

[@toddlopes]

At $450… I’ll pass. I like the bar is 28.5mm and it has a grippy feel for pulling movements (small hands). Concerning thing is those sloppy connections looks like they need to add some better bushings. I would be willing to purchase this bar at max price point of $320 to $370 if they upgrade the bushings. Thanks for the review.

[@BasementBrandon]

No problem, thanks for taking a look

[@carps_gym]

Some say, there are nine unique movements?

[@BasementBrandon]

This bar can do what others cannot!

[@rockman7503]

Who was asking Kabuki for a generic budget power bar? I can see why it doesnt make the rotation.

[@BasementBrandon]

Yeah this one seems a bit half baked.

[@carps_gym]

Red bar in a white gym?

[@Invictus13666]

Sounds like a pop cuntry song.

[@BasementBrandon]

Not my first choice lol

[@user-kg1sx2eb4p]

You should do one for the skinniest 45 pound barbell

[@BasementBrandon]

Not sure I follow!

[@BrimhallBarbellClub]

You have so many nice bars!

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks Jack! Lot have come and gone in the basement so getting down to only premium or meaningful ones!

[@BrimhallBarbellClub]

@@BasementBrandon we need your Power Bar ranking video! I need to buy a new one!

[@BrimhallBarbellClub]

I’m leaning toward the Chewy bar right now, which I see is the current bar in your rotation.

[@Timm129]

I'm not interested. Too many differences from the 250k bar. The sound of the sleeves spinning was awful.. bare steel...450$ that's crazy...

[@BasementBrandon]

What a time to be alive!

[@toddlopes]

Head ups…For a limited time, all Columbia Bars are available for $200 off. I pulled the trigger on a zinc bar.

[@BasementBrandon]

My guess is they’re discontinuing them.

[@reginaldchesterfield8110]

Man… 450 and they can’t get the description right…😂 i wonder if anything else is wrong.

[@BasementBrandon]

They had a similar issue when they released the DL bar. It was listed as longer than it really was.

[@TheCarterHomeGym]

Yeah, still a little too expensive for a budget bar. If you really want a Kabuki bar, save up and get a good one.

[@BasementBrandon]

I usually go the blem route. Cheaper, ship fast, and chances are your full price bar might have a blem anyways 😅

[@TheCarterHomeGym]

@@BasementBrandon Great idea. There might be some cosmetic issues but you're still getting a great bar.

[@bobbyhunt3009]

Hahaha I cannot believe a company would say their budget barbell costs $450 and probably around $550 to your door. People, there are lots and lots of Great barbells for $250-$350 and truth be told even less than that. People who pay for stuff like this are people that collect bars and/or buy it to show off to their friends. Arnold probably never used a bar over $250 and I get a kick out of seeing things like this. Companies who asked these prices are certainly not in it to make money because they cut their by around 90%. Kabuki wont be around much longer with the priced they charge, oh yeah, they already sold out to Rogue haven't they. Nothing against you Brandon, you're just reviewing. Over $500 for a Budget barbell, now that is funny, Hahahaha

[@BasementBrandon]

I get what you're saying for sure, but knowing the cost of materials and how small of an operation they are, I would wager they're not making a ton on these as they have to outsource a lot. I think their appeal as a company is small, made in USA, and typically unique offerings.

[@bobbyhunt3009]

@@BasementBrandon Like you said they only have unique equipment and it is all so pricey and Yes I agree they probably are not making a lot due to overhead and that is why I don't think they will be around long term. To make the real money (consistent money) they need some less expensive signature pieces and they just don't have them so I see Kabuki as a flash in the pan company. Nothing against them, I wish everyone well but I just don't get their business model and in the end this is a business and their model is not good, IMO, but it's a smart opinion Great review as always

[@TrainerBigMike]

Eww yeah idk that sound is pretty gross. My camo bar that was $135 doesn't even sound like that

[@bmstylee]

Yikes that spin sounded like 🤮

[@BasementBrandon]

No one likes sloppy sleeves

[@scooobyj8714]

That’s an expensive budget bar.

[@BasementBrandon]

😅