PR with a Sinus Infection - EliteFTS Power Bar Review

Figured I'd update you on my max effort week running Juggernaut AI (still). I've been a bit under the weather, but I'm too stubborn to not try to push things a bit. I also wanted to do a review on the EliteFTS Power Bar that I've owned for quite some time, so I figured a training VLOG and review was a good idea.
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0:00 Training
4:51 EliteFTS Power Bar

[@rodolfomedini9931]

If you ever need to store your extra equipment at my house you're more than welcome to.

[@BasementBrandon]

Lol appreciated!

[@rodolfomedini9931]

@@BasementBrandon you're welcome

[@SkunkyBrew]

Will be returned slightly used*

[@gymreviewer]

If Rodolfo’s house gets full I would like to volunteer as the backup!

[@colbypark1311]

Glad you're geting through the infection. Just started my home gym, in large part because of you Brandon. Thanks for all you are doing!

[@BasementBrandon]

Awesome. I feel I always have to apologize though as I tend to enable people spending more money lol.

[@GlucksGym]

Since this video is all about me (what isn't?) I've been feeling similar. Must be something air of the gym review capital of the world. Hope you feel better, big lifts!

[@BasementBrandon]

Whole house is sick, hiding out in the basement only staves it off for so long!

[@twistedbarbell3950]

Typical thorough and transparent review that I've come to expect and enjoy! Hope you feel better soon - Sinus infections are a PITA!

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks Marcus, feeling better!

[@richardjennings4685]

I have the older one that is in the picture on the website and love it. I have had it for 3 or 4 years and it has held up great in my garage gym with all the temperature changes through the seasons. Like you I really like what elitefts does for the strength training community and have several of their products.

[@BasementBrandon]

That is awesome!

[@robhughes2629]

Awesome seeing real training content

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks Rob

[@DEADLIFTDUDEPETER]

I like the way you filmed and transitioned the sets so smoothly.

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks Peter

[@reginaldchesterfield8110]

I enjoyed the exercise vlog/review. 👍

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks, was an easy one for me to do!

[@928guy]

I waited for this barbell review for years. Unfortunately I have the Elitefts Power Bar before they made the changes. I also agree with you on the updated knurl finish ( I got the mountain knurl and the different end cap). Plus the bar I have, the knurl stops about a 1 inch or slightly more before the sleeves (for bands). Again great review and awesome lifting mate.. you is strong 💪

[@BasementBrandon]

I don't think that's unfortunate, I think you lucked out getting the better version!

[@JoelP1961]

Always a great in depth review Brandon! I’ve still not used a bar that is a s aggressive as my Rep Fitness deep knurl bar! Lol

[@BasementBrandon]

That's def on the aggressive side! I think right now the aggro 3x is the sharpest bar I've used.

[@BrimhallBarbellClub]

Would love to see you do an updated best value power bar review.

[@BasementBrandon]

Might be able to do that, so many choices these days.

[@babygiantbarbell1014]

I appreciate your take on training Brandon. I have learned to not get too high or too low about training and take a look at the whole picture behind a session. As far as the bar goes, there are so many bars out now that it takes a very fine product to truly stand out. Thanks for the wisdom and review man.

[@BasementBrandon]

I'm trying to tell myself slow and steady wins the race lol

[@kevinybarzabal2720]

I have that same bar it’s awesome…Good stuff Brandon

[@BasementBrandon]

This one or the older version?!

[@kevinybarzabal2720]

@@BasementBrandon the older should I get the new one?

[@BasementBrandon]

@@kevinybarzabal2720 Nope!

[@billminnery2777]

Another excellent review. I suspect EliteFTS was expecting a much better review. Instead they were exposed for not only selling a bar manufactured by a different company to be white labeled and sold by other companies, but the bar that EliteFTS will send may not be the bar advertised on their website, e.g., the knurling. I am not in the market for a bar since I already own a stainless steel Rogue Ohio Power bar and a bare steel Texas Deadlift Bar both recommended by Brandon. I just love his honest interviews.

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks for the comment Bill. TBH I don't think they were expecting anything as I don't think Dave cares that much about what I think lol :)

[@TheCarterHomeGym]

Congrats on the bench PR! I love elitefts as well. Dave Tate is one of the good ones!

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks my brother!

[@Phoenix11720]

Your home gym is insane now, haven't watched much of your stuff since you had rebranded to Brandon Diamond

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks! KZbin has given me a great opportunity to improve it!

[@Bearded360]

That’s freaking 💪🏼

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks Eric!

[@robertfrank8293]

Thanks for the advice on this. I literally almost pulled the trigger on this Monday based on the knurling I was hoping to get. And your advice was priceless regarding that. I love Dave but I’m disappointed in the change. I’ll still support them but probably not with the purchase of this bar. Thanks again!

[@BasementBrandon]

So I believe Bare Steel Equipment's Power Bar is what the EliteFTS was (still made by Solid Bar)

[@marinetropicsi.2907]

The OG ElitFTS Power Bar definitely had a more aggressive knurl. Props to supporting Dave Tate & Elite, it’s just hard sometimes when there are so many great options on the market.

[@dirtyfilthyrottenstinkinpa835]

Solid Bar Fitness makes a bare steel version with thicker collars for Bare Steel Equipment. They offer free shipping plus the price includes tax. I found a $10 code to boot. I paid $249 all in with tax and shipping included for a bar with the same exact shaft with no coating and slightly different sleeves.

[@BasementBrandon]

Nice!

[@HoerigStrength]

Agree with your review. It’s a quality bar and they’ve contributed a lot over the years but...I live in Cbus and have seen the EFS hq several times. Manufacturing equipment is not in their job description…not to say they have bad stuff. I’ve lifted in the EFS Williams Strength power rack for the last 7 years and it’s an absolute tank

[@BasementBrandon]

Seems like they've brought back the old version during black friday

[@deke61sg]

Training with a sinus infection, that's dedication. I have a bunch of utility bars (Rogue C-70, Elite FTS Shorty Bar and YorkBarbell 6' ). By far the Rouge C-70 (black zinc) is head and shoulders above the others, even though it's 28.5mm lol. The Elite FTS (black zinc) is nice but the quality is just not as good as the Rogue. The knurl may be a hair more aggressive but that's where it ends (also 28.5mm). The York 6' International Black Oxide is close to the Elite FTS with a less aggressive knurl but I love the 30mm diameter. I'm with you on the 29mm bars. To some it up, Rogue is my bar of choice and I have several . The Elite FTS is nice but for a utility beater bar but I'll buy the York for $50 less (6'). I have two York 5'ers as well. Again, great beater bars, not quite as nice as the FTS but I use them outside mostly anyway. I don't have a Texas power bar yet so I can't comment on them but I do want one. So for now ROGUE is my number one barbell company.

[@BasementBrandon]

Sounds like quite the nice collection!

[@carps_gym]

Yeah I think the Baresteel Equipment power bar is more mountain top with a little thicker sleeves. So maybe it’s more like the older ELite FTS one everyone talks about.

[@BasementBrandon]

Appreciate the pics on IG!

[@carps_gym]

Happy to help.

[@derrickhobbs8842]

Good barbell. My Gym has it. I like it for Deadlifts, gets the job done.

[@BasementBrandon]

Nice!

[@roffcack]

I have this bar but the old version for my home gym. Have a rogue Ohio power bar for my work gym. The knurling on the old version is definitely more aggressive than the OPB. I prefer it for deadlifts because of the diameter. Other than that the OPB is superior in every way. And I love elitefts

[@BasementBrandon]

Appreciate the feedback! I find this one I have is slightly more aggressive than the OPB, but I actually like the grittiness of the OPB and 29mm build.

[@carlgibson7850]

I've been using this bar (older version) for a while. It's a fine bar, I'm a fan of the more aggressive knurling. Nevertheless, the bar possessed what they called "mineral discoloration". Variations in steel and the way it looks. There wasn't a touch of this, the bar was littered with it, it looked awful. Yes, I'm one of those people that cares how their equipment looks and they wanted me to pay return shipping for an exchange. I get it, but I feel strongly this should have never gone out, thus, I'm not paying that. Should have been a boneyard bar. Performance-wise, it works well, as stated here. The bar had a significant "clicking" sound when in use that required dismantling and fixing (frequent barbell users will know what I mean). I'd say no big deal, but it's back again and I don't care enough to fix it. I'm looking to just buy another bar and upgrade my landmine with this one. I'd imagine 95% of buyers would be very satisfied with this, and I'm not unsatisfied by any means. Though, the issues with this bar, and I've had no success with their apparel, I don't know that I'm coming back anytime soon. Too many competitors are pushing up quality and driving down price now to confidently say Elite FTS is a superior choice (despite how I feel about Dave and the company in general). Their SS Yoke bar is legit, though. Others are catching up on that bar, but it is a very good bar still. I'd recommend that one 8 days a week.

[@BasementBrandon]

Solid insight. I wonder if the issues you had with the bar was one of the reasons why they changed things up?

[@ront2457]

Hope you're feeling better...sinus infection aren't fun...Good work Brandon!!

[@BasementBrandon]

Getting there!

[@bobbyhunt3009]

Hey Brandon, I love your invention of the attachment that secures your bench to the rack so U are always benching from the same spot. Is there anyway I can get one to attach to my 2 x 3 rack. Please let me know as I think everybody with a rack needs one of these. I love your channel, I do see one problem with your videos though and that is that I want U to make more of them, LOL. I like to watch Basement Brandon everyday. I really like your training ones too. I am a fan and BTW, U are super strong man. U squat as much maybe more than Arnold, U know that right. Very Cool

[@BasementBrandon]

Hey Bobby, thanks for the kind words. No plan currently for a 2x3 attachment, but you could easily make one for cheap with some 2x4's I would think.

[@dewildeworld6766]

Yeah,I think that's more than a fair review bro.

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks man!

[@johnathanbusher9747]

Nice lifts. Get well soon.

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks dude!

[@GavinBrown]

It's good to see you're never too ill to get your hands on a stiff bar. Shame it didn't have the girth you are used to. Next one...

[@BasementBrandon]

Luckily I have my fair share of shafts to hold

[@pipozZz]

When is the world going to join together and renounce 28.5 power bars!!!

[@BasementBrandon]

You might see a bit of a shakeup soon...

[@mikeb9396]

Thanks for the review. I decided to go completely to the home gym back when COVID closed everything down and saw no reason to go back to the commercial gyms. One of the bar upgrades that I did at the time was to get the EliteFTS Multi Bar. The bar is good from most every aspect except that the sleeves have about a 1/16" side to side play in them. While it's no big deal when it comes to benching and deadlifts, I find the movement of the plates during a squat walk out a bit disconcerting. Have you found any appreciable side to side play on the Power Bar? Since I came from a commercial gym environment, I don't recall side to side play being an issue with gym bars.

[@BasementBrandon]

I've found a lot of bars have some play. TBH it's never really bothered me. I think in a commercial environment where it's louder, you won't hear it as much.

[@mikeb9396]

@@BasementBrandon maybe I waddle too much stepping back from the hooks but it’s definitely not the noise, it’s the feel of the plates sliding.

[@visionarystyle_]

Hi Brandon are you still using the RP dieting app?

[@BasementBrandon]

I'm not, when I log nutrition stuff I've been using MacroFactor.

[@rpinchbe]

I am two weeks into JuggernautAI after following your experience with it and I see that I have an RPE 10 top set (of 6) on deficit DL coming up. Previously, I never did RPE 10 other than a meet (for singles), so it’s new territory for me. Any tips?

[@BasementBrandon]

My suggestion is take a guess at where you need to be and rate accordingly. The longer you run the program the more used to RPE for rep sets you'll get. You likely had a couple of sets of 6 in the weeks leading up to the test out, so use that to help guestimate.

[@richards6431]

Seems like a good bar on sale for Rack Pulls, okay to bang it up.

[@BasementBrandon]

It's a good bar still! Just gets lost among my other bars.

[@matthewjohnhamilton3691]

Any chance may do a review on the iron skull power bar by bare steel equipment ?

[@BasementBrandon]

Not likely just b/c it would be likely the same as this bar, just back to the normal mountain knurling (like the old elite). It's also made by Solid Bar Fitness.

[@matthewjohnhamilton3691]

@@BasementBrandon what about your thoughts on the F8 Bench Barbell ? Being 30mm diam and 25kg.

[@BasementBrandon]

@@matthewjohnhamilton3691 TBH I don't know if a bench bar makes much sense unless you compete in a federation that uses one. They're the same length as a squat bar, so in theory I could just use my 32mm squat bar and save $700 bucks.

[@TrapBarWith41.5cmSleeves]

Hey Brandon, looking at your bench press arch it seems it could be bigger. Does it only seem so and that's as much your mobility allows or you have other reasons for such degree of arch? Asking because I'm trying to improve my bench press... congrats on awesome PRs!

[@BasementBrandon]

I can't physically arch any more with my current mobility.

[@TrapBarWith41.5cmSleeves]

@@BasementBrandon Got ya! Thanks.

[@Reppintimefitness]

Big B Dogg 🔥🏋‍♂️💯

[@BasementBrandon]

Smaller shirts.

[@joecowan3719]

Couldn't agree with you more about Dave Tate and EliteFTS, their t shirts are cool so I have stuck with those since their power bars are 28.5. Is your Ivanko bar review in the distant future? Hope you feel 100 real soon!

[@BasementBrandon]

It's on the list!

[@MegaRawBerry]

I've PRed so many times while under the weather, it's kinda weird. Hit a 300x8 bench while sick 2 weeks ago

[@BasementBrandon]

Big lift!

[@kavanagt1]

Love your channel. Could you talk a little about powerlifting training without chalk. I get that you don't want to create a mess in your beautiful home gym and perhaps you don't want to have chalk caked into the knurling of your bars but it seems like chalk is such a part of powerlifting culture, almost a religious ritual before lifting. Hell people even chalk their back before squatting. Yet you can deadlift impressive weights without it. Do you use isopropyl alcohol on your hands to dry them out before lifting? Any tips for someone who's contemplating giving up chalk cold turkey?

[@BasementBrandon]

I might be able to do this. It's not that I'm against chalk, I have a chalk bowl I put on my weight tree that has liquid chalk, block chalk, and ball of chalk. It's more that I haven't found my grip to need it.

[@keysersoze5920]

Once I did a full workout with pneumonia, squats included. I wondered why it was short of breath. I thought it was just a cold.

[@BasementBrandon]

Oh man. On a side note, I may be picking up an Iron Wolfe bench bar this weekend.

[@keysersoze5920]

@@BasementBrandon Yeah, fortunately I finished my workout, but then the fever hit, so I knew then it was not a cold ( fever is always a sign of infection). How’d you get the Ironwolfe?

[@Patient_Zero01]

Been a fan of elitefts for a long time. I have a few pieces of equipment from them. One thing to keep in mind with their stuff is that they primarily outfit facilities collegiate and high school. So buying 10 of those bars for a college weightroom with plates, racks... Makes a lot more sense with that build quality. They balance quality and the quantity needed by the customers they target.

[@BasementBrandon]

I also think Dave and team doesn't over analyze stuff like a lot of use do

[@vickm7761]

Quick question--how is that deadlift 585? It looks like 5 plates each side...which would be 495 unless I'm missing something? Thanks!

[@TITANAS84]

I think 4 plates are 55 and the last 45

[@BasementBrandon]

4x55 on each side, 1x45 and 1x2.5!

[@rpinchbe]

I wondered the same but knew that I was just missing something knowing Brandon’s strength.

[@richardbucey1447]

Are all Elite FTS products just white labeled?

[@BasementBrandon]

To my knowledge.

[@BreadAndGatorade]

I’ve forced myself to lift while mildly ill and all times except once I had a totally fine workout. Aside from having to carry a snot rag

[@BasementBrandon]

Lol

[@keithhoneycutt2324]

No Chalk?? 😢 The elite fts power bar I used about 3 years ago did have that mountain knurling and I’d say it was hands down the most sharp knurl I have ever used. Approximately 35% sharper than a new Texas power bar

[@BasementBrandon]

Man hands

[@carps_gym]

Yeah they used to call it the cheese grater, so I was confused when i saw it as well, but it was apparently the newer version non-cheese grater edition. Maybe Baresteel Equipment is now selling that older design? 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@carps_gym]

Or as Gluck would say 4 cat tongues

[@TheEthanHunt]

Why do you start with the bike? Just get blood flowing in the legs? How long do you bike as a warmup?

[@BasementBrandon]

Just a way to get moving. I sit at a desk for work, so i'm pretty stiff otherwise lol.

[@TheEthanHunt]

@@BasementBrandon thanks! I’ve gotta warm up with the bike too. Desk job here as well. I’ve also forgotten I have a standing desk 😂

[@BasementBrandon]

@@TheEthanHunt You know I have one too but find I can't actually do as much "work" when standing. It's great for calls but that's about it.

[@michaelradloff1715]

What happened to those StrengthCo 45s?

[@michaelradloff1715]

Alright...see them on the press.

[@BasementBrandon]

I have a lot of weight. I use the StrengthCo for most things, but use these Rogues for DL b/c they're thinner and I find it makes the DL harder.

[@michaelradloff2318]

@@BasementBrandon lol...Yeah. I pieced that together and would have figured it out before I posted that question if I was a little more patient. And I like the Rogue DD thicker plates for DL because it makes the DL easier...lol.

[@scielth]

I think Dave mentioned on a podcast or a instagram post they had to change the knurling because of bars coming back for being too aggressive.

[@BasementBrandon]

Interesting, not sure I buy that though b/c they offer other power bars besides this one. hmmm.

[@drinkinouttacups2665]

@@BasementBrandon I do remember him saying something about changing manufacturers during the pandemic as a result of some of them selling direct to consumer maybe the bars were included in that?

[@joseurrutia9119]

Goddamn, I’m about to cancel my order and get OPB. I choose this bar specifically for the over the top knurling.

[@BasementBrandon]

They now have re-released an "aggressive version" have not used it however.

[@joseurrutia9119]

Shiiiii

[@isaacsanchez3809]

What are the most aggressively knurled power bars on the market?

[@dbsasuke]

Rogue Aggro

[@BasementBrandon]

Prob the aggro 3x

[@Light-gh7kt]

What's the most aggressive bar?

[@robertduncan6292]

Haven't used it but Rogue 3x Aggro has to be up there.

[@BasementBrandon]

In terms of pure sharpness and readily available, the aggro 3x has a pretty big bite.

[@Light-gh7kt]

@@BasementBrandon Where does the kabuki power bar and deadlift bar rank compared to the others especially the aggro x3?

[@BasementBrandon]

@@Light-gh7kt Kabuki DL is pretty aggressive, their power bar not so much. They use a smaller knurl pattern so it's grippy but not overly sharp.

[@Light-gh7kt]

@@BasementBrandon How would you compare the kabuki pr DL bar and the aggro x3 to each other?

[@realalbertan]

Just think that Phelps won 83 major international medals between 2000 and 2016 ... anyone who thinks he was never sick at a major meet or trials is wrong... you do what you can... for him that could be an Olympic or World Championship gold

[@BasementBrandon]

Def an outlier!

[@TheFarrOutpost]

Bummer on the knurling... $329 is a nice price point for a (29mm, mountain top knurled) bar. ;)

[@BasementBrandon]

Still a good bar, just used to be better!

[@darkknight716]

I bought a camber squat bar from Elitefts. It came wrecked. Their customer service didn't care. My buddy bought the camber press bar. Their powder coat sucks. It isn't grippy at all. There's rattling. Welds look shitty. I'm sure they do actually make some really nice stuff, but my impressions from them are very poor. Customer Service can really make or break your reputation. They need to take lessons from Rogue's CS team. Dean at black widow does a great job at making sure the products ship out in really nice packaging too.

[@BasementBrandon]

Dean does do some really nice work!

[@BrimhallBarbellClub]

Why don’t you use chalk?

[@BasementBrandon]

Never really have grip issues

[@briand5047]

PR with a sinus infection. Is that the basement version of 1997, Game 5?

[@BasementBrandon]

This is more like the Paul Pierce wheelchair game where he pooped his pants.

[@ClarksvilleBarbellClub]

B, I thought you stopped lifting.

[@BasementBrandon]

Pretty much :)

[@ClarksvilleBarbellClub]

@@BasementBrandon 🤣

[@NoFate247]

Props for working out on antibiotics

[@BasementBrandon]

If I miss more than 1 day of training I lose my gains don't I?

[@NoFate247]

@@BasementBrandon every last one of them....facts

[@comically_large_chungus]

algorithm

[@BasementBrandon]

my dude

[@vieri864]

If this was titan you would definitely be more outraged. That's pretty crap quality control for $300+ bar.

[@BasementBrandon]

I'm not sure I understand. What's wrong with the quality control outside of the knurl termination?

[@kozmo7]

Elite FTS is a great company they just are sloppy and shrug it off as “who gives a shit” Well I do so I’ll take my money elsewhere

[@BasementBrandon]

Yeah they're def not as anal about equipment as I am lol.

[@kozmo7]

@@BasementBrandon Yep same here. Mostly because they outfit collegiate sports or teams with equipment that is hard use for hundreds of people But hey if it’s just me I want it to look pretty