Kabuki Power Bar - Strongest Bar Ever?

In this video I take a look at the much hyped Kabuki Next Gen Power Bar. I've been using this bar for several weeks and finally want to share my feedback with you. If you have other questions on it, please leave them in the comment section below.
Buy the bar here: store.kabukistrength.net/prod...
Chris Duffin Metallurgy 101: • Kabuki Strength New Ge...
Some pics/videos from GarageGymReviews.
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[@BasementBrandon]

Kabuki reached out and let me know the end caps were in good shape before shipping but the friction of the snap ring in transit was the culprit. Cool to see a company follow up and watch my video!

[@jvtraining9723]

Hey Brandon....so you say this Kabuki bar is more whippy than ohio??? Im curious what THE STIFFEST bar available??? Texas squat bar???

[@CanditoTrainingHQ]

What seems to be the elephant in the room is that whichever bar is used in meets will be better, no matter the quality. How stiff is too stiff and how grippy is too grippy is all judged relative to competition bars. So unless Duffin starts networking and/or paying some hefty fees to make them the standard within the IPF or USAPL, any positive can be seen as negative as it will just be a difference. This is assuming the market for several hundred dollar barbells is almost entirely limited to competitors.

[@dustinmcd91]

CanditoTrainingHQ Candito has spoken

[@samwertheimer4848]

I will be competing in the USAPL Oregon state championship on April 7th and on an email they recently sent they said we will be using the kabuki power bar which I found very interesting. Ruffin may be squirming his way into the USAPL/IPF

[@samwertheimer4848]

*****Duffin

[@SinnedNogara]

Do the Kabuki Bar have IPF specs? I assumed they allowed the 20kg Ohio Power Bar because it has the exact same specs as the Eleiko Power Bar.

[@cisrael468]

I think it's great for recreational lifters that like to compete locally just for fun like me. For guys like you, you're totally right!

[@willbower4144]

The nokia power bar is the strongest

[@bryanmelendez7960]

steve jobs lmao😂👏👏

[@BasementBrandon]

But can you play snakes on it?

[@willh3972]

That takes some whip young man

[@rajohnbutler7131]

Underrated comment

[@Dirtkid98505]

Barbells are like cookies. The Kabuki is that large chocolate chunk that cost 4 dollars that was freshly baked and the chocolate is still melting. The Ohio bar has become the Oreo as its everywhere now and everyone and has used it and can't argue that it isn't a great option. But The Texas bar... The Texas bar is that Oatmeal Raisin cookie your grandma makes. It's her favorite and has been around since she was young and you'll never say no to it.

[@BasementBrandon]

Eh not a huge fan of the TPB compared to what else is out there, maybe 20 years ago when there weren't a ton of options. I'd say it's more like a Nilla Wafer, had it when you were younger and always thought it was good, but trying one now you don't see what the hype was.

[@Dirtkid98505]

I could see why. My gym has texas bars and one person brings their own OPB and personally I like the knurling on the texas bars. It hurts more but the OPB is more gritty i suppose. But I like the Nilla Wafer comparison lol

[@BasementBrandon]

I kinda want to eat some now.

[@JeepTrailsandBarbells]

TPB for me i love it, and i wont spend extra money on hype. Its funny to me how the bars get put up on the stand and integrated as if that's the reason you didn't hit your PR or that's the secret no one is telling you lol. Give me a good bar that won't bend when i drop it and get out the way. Now with the elephant and bamboo bar being the exception. I'm speaking as a powerlifter i can't speak for OLY lifters but strong is strong the bar isn't what's holding you back.

[@phiten40]

I'm pretty simple. I own a private training facility. I have a Texas Power Bar 8ft for squatting, an Oakie bar for dead lifting, and a variety of mid-grade bars from York, etc for bench and other accessory lifts. My favorite being a 40 year old 29mm York barbell.

[@GarageGymReviews]

Awesome review Brandon!

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks Coop! On to the next one.

[@EliteThrowsCoaching]

Your old original Westside Power Bar is doing great in its new home at my gym! I’m taking good care of her.

[@BasementBrandon]

I miss it lol

[@JeepTrailsandBarbells]

I like your reviews they're not biased at all just over all good info.

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks dude!

[@extrasmack]

Great review Brandon. Your contributions to spreading knowledge to the home gym market are greatly appreciated! 👍

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks Paul!

[@barbellranch2763]

Great review. Knurl/bar sounds like a winner. Even if they have some quality issues to fix, barbells and choices keep getting better which is a plus for everyone. Keep getting your hands dirty, B. Thanks.

[@BasementBrandon]

Agreed, even if this bar doesn't sell a ton, hopefully other brands take cues from it.

[@mikewarmbold3820]

Seems like Duffin admitting this is made for gyms with heavy use and not home use. Makes sense. Based off his comment you had in the video, looks like he is working on a lower price point bar. Looking forward to seeing that.

[@BasementBrandon]

Be interesting to see how it holds up, but as you alluded to, for home use by one person maybe the wear and tear won't make a difference vs if it were in a public space.

[@ML424wr]

For $700 the damn thing should be absolutely flawless and lift itself!

[@BasementBrandon]

lol

[@zeeeeb0]

I geeked tf out on this one man. Who woulda thought there's so much in a barbell

[@BasementBrandon]

Hope it was a decent watch!

[@borisesquilotromp89]

Yesss I've been waiting for this!

[@BasementBrandon]

Hopefully it was worth it lol

[@vibewithit8062]

im looking to cast iron plates and i was wondering would it be okay to use 2 25kg competition plates on also? like would the cast iron plate damage the 25kg plates?

[@BasementBrandon]

Not an issue, my friend Garrett Blevins does something similar.

[@husseinkasim4474]

Excited to use this bar. Our gym owner has ordered it a just before Xmas now. Taken so long to arrive. He did mention to me that he doesn’t believe they’re made in-house hence the delays. Either looks like a nice bar but shame it’s not even ipf approved.

[@BasementBrandon]

I'm sure it could be, but prob not worth the $100,000 asking fee of whatever it is lol.

[@Massenomics]

Great review Brandon. Agree on everything you said here. The feel of the knurling is difficult to describe. Our Kabuki bar tends to get used more in the gym than our Rogue OPB... but possibly just because it’s shinier and newer. Shipping for me took 2 months, but I did order during a big sale, so I’m sure there were high volumes. I got updated with dates 3 times, getting pushed back farther each time. They did send my replacement caps quickly. It’s a fantastic bar. Would recommend to a friend. A friend who also spends way too much on cool new gym equipment.

[@BasementBrandon]

A man of my own skin!

[@mlpreiss]

You do such a great job with your videos. Do you script them or just pretty much speak extemporaneously?

[@BasementBrandon]

For the review videos like this I'll usually write down a few key points I want to hit so I don't forget.

[@kevmoho]

as usual, great review!

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks boss!

[@Rocket_Man.]

Shout out to *GarageGymReviews* !!

[@BasementBrandon]

yessir

[@g10ronaldinho]

Hey Brandon, Curious about the EN plating. How has it stood up to rusting the last two years vs a stainless, for example?

[@BasementBrandon]

Stainless has held up better for the bars I own, but the nickel here is still in good shape with minimal cleaning.

[@g10ronaldinho]

Thank you!

[@jakeizlove]

Thanks for providing such a thoughtful review.

[@BasementBrandon]

No problem, hope it made sense!

[@user-zm9gc1kt8b]

Great review mate

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks for taking a look!

[@gjmjblevins]

So playing all that Nintendo is why you can beat me at Mario Cart so bad!!!! Solid review and thanks for putting Bog Ray's squat right after mine lol. Blessings

[@BasementBrandon]

Haha basically interchangeable between you two.

[@Justin-ow3yr]

What are you thoughts on the Titex Trainer Powerlifting bar? The specs are comparable to the Kabuki bar, but a less than half the price

[@BasementBrandon]

I think the consensus I've heard is that the titex is not as good as the rogue OPB (I've only used the titex a handful of times in competition).

[@iAmJeffReYY]

fucking always love your review videos. so in depth. you the man BCD

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks dude appreciate it

[@BarbellSocietyUK]

Looks like a decent bit of kit, but you'd expect that for this kind of paper. Nice one brother 🤘🤘

[@BasementBrandon]

Agreed, luckily I got a decent discount on it, otherwise would not have bought lol.

[@theforge8101]

awesome review brother

[@BasementBrandon]

appreciate it!

[@Jeneric81]

The best part of the knurling is the funky video effect.

[@BasementBrandon]

lol

[@PasiFourmyle]

I'm the Quality Manage in a plating shop, I would try using some Mother's polish on that strain and see if it comes out. I can't really tell how Sony the bar is though and you might have to polish that whole area or you'll just end up with one really shiny spot.

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@Mr683465]

I want this bar. As a Quality Controls guy im going to wait till they fix their QC

[@BasementBrandon]

Right on

[@darkknight716]

Looking back on this video I wonder if the OPB aggrox2 has a similar knurl to this kabuki power bar...

[@BasementBrandon]

I think the knurl pattern is larger from what I can tell (on the Rogue). Also since the Rogue is SS, you'll get a better feel of the knurl vs this plated nickel.

[@g10ronaldinho]

Do you know of any other bars - aside from squat bars - that have that alignment marking in the center?

[@BasementBrandon]

EliteFTS has one as does Ivanko IIRC

[@mc7770]

Great video, thanks for the info again Brandon

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks for taking a look!

[@knyghtkrawlr]

Those new end caps are gorgeous but as a garage gym enthusiast the price point is just too high to justify but I would love a good quality knurl and better quality build out of my barbell. If had the money to spend though I would pick this bar up without hesitation

[@BasementBrandon]

Agreed, if it were similar to price as an OPB I think I might have a harder decision deciding.

[@SteezySteez2011]

I know this is old, but you've gotta respect the way Duffin responded. He paid respect to Rogue's legacy in lifting, but also pointed out the unique parts of Kabuki's bar without being a total lunatic and spazzing like a lot of people do online. Still super on the fence about whether or not I can justify the price, given shipping's now like $75 (my Texas Squat Bar cost less, despite being longer/heavier) but maybe one day.

[@BasementBrandon]

I think Kabuki can make good bars, but I've seen a lot of inconsistencies as of late. There are also some other really good bars available for the same price, if not less.

[@zephries6708]

How does the Vulcan Stainless Steel Power bar stack up to this?

[@BasementBrandon]

I've heard the knurling on that is pretty passive.

[@mizzo011]

Hi Brandon. How does this bar compare with the Eleiko competition and performance bars? Mainly the knurling. Since this bar is already so expensive, why didn't you just pay a little more for an Eleiko?

[@BasementBrandon]

an Eleiko would have still run me another $300-$400

[@mizzo011]

Makes sense. How would you compare the Knurling on the Kabuki VS. the Eleiko? Thanks.

[@BasementBrandon]

I think the Eleiko is sharper, however I'd equate the grip to being similar.

[@mizzo011]

Thanks

[@pestyoverlord]

How much do flower shorts add to the bench numbers? Asking for a friend. He also wants to know where to get them.

[@SinnedNogara]

Hviii brand goods

[@BasementBrandon]

They distract viewers from lack of quads/calves.

[@TRANSAMF4N]

Hey basement Brandon is this bar still your daily bar? I am considering the kabuki bar or the American barbell. Have you used the American barbells?

[@BasementBrandon]

It is not. It’s a good bar but I don’t find myself going for it as often.

[@TRANSAMF4N]

@@BasementBrandon Thanks for the reply! What bars do you gravitate to more these days? Have you used the american barbells? (the brand)

[@BasementBrandon]

@@TRANSAMF4N I have so many I tend to rotate a lot. I have one of the not listed on the site AB aggressive power bars (20 LPI) that I really like! Should do a video on it.

[@Ba-Lak-Ee]

I'm gonna comment twice cause that's how I roll... Will you do a review on The Titan Fitness Wall Mounted Pulley Tower? Its a pulley system that can attach alone to a wall.. or to your rack. (with the olympic adapter sleeve to use olympic plates)

[@extrasmack]

Second this request

[@BasementBrandon]

Probably not, only b/c I don't plan on buying one. Titan also stopped responding to my emails after they said they'd send me a few other items to review and then never came through.

[@Ba-Lak-Ee]

I bought one for you! We will see how their customer support is. Seems like your experience with Titan is less than perfect. Hope for the best. D:

[@brentjones9323]

Saw a brief glimpse of the Stronghouse Project knee sleeves and elbow sleeves. I know your thoughts on knee sleeves in general, but what's your opinion on those?

[@BasementBrandon]

If you size them right they're along the same lines as everything else out there!

[@sloppyjonuts9162]

That rogue bar is killer

[@BasementBrandon]

agreed

[@Flyingsquirrel69420]

My dingdong is like a powerbar when I see you've uploaded a new video

[@BasementBrandon]

Hey now!

[@NoBuddyz]

I’m gonna buy it! I’m currently lifting with Sorenix Power bar & needle bar but want something special

[@BasementBrandon]

Nice!

[@meisdetermined]

Chris G so what are your thoughts on Kabuki vs. Sorinex ? I have noticed there doesn’t seem to be much discussion of Sorinex bars

[@johnschwoerer354]

how did you remove your barbell endcap? anyone have any idea?

[@BasementBrandon]

Snap ring pliers are the most common, but different brands use different types of securing methods.

[@Ba-Lak-Ee]

I went with the ohio power bar. I actually looked the kabuki bar. However, I decided to buy 2 ohio power bars. lol

[@BasementBrandon]

It's really hard to beat the quality and value of the OPB

[@JamesKeeton1]

I'd like to see them put the TPB in the lath and push the Kabuki up on it. I have a feeling that the results may be different. Just a guess. You have a larger surface area on the spinning bar acting on a small surface area on the bar being pushed on. Like I said... Just my gut.

[@BasementBrandon]

James Keeton they actually did this too I just didn’t show it. Kabuki ate it up still. Made it look like the other bar had new ring marks lol.

[@JamesKeeton1]

That's interesting... Will need to look that up.

[@nattanivisser2661]

Quickest I have ever clicked on one of your vids.

[@BasementBrandon]

Haha you mean you don't want to see a full day of eating?!

[@BrendanTietz]

I really think the OHP is super overrated and really whippy. Idk if quality control is an issue with rogue but it seems each OHP I use feels different in whip and even using kilo plates I’ve noticed a huge bend to the bar with 600 on my back. More bend than what Blevins has on his back. You can see it in my old IG vids as some commenters pointed out. I really wish someone would come along and truly mimic the eleiko bar for cheaper somehow lol suppose that’s why it’s so expensive though. Was hoping this bar would be it :/ the knurling sounds dope though

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks for the feedback B. I think the OPB def gets a lot of hype, but IMO when you look at how it performs and the price point, it's still the best bar for your buck. Other similarly priced bars have their fair issues too. TPB being too whippy, Lara Power Bar having passive knurl, etc.

[@BrendanTietz]

Brandon Campbell Diamond oh definitely! And yeah I meant OPB as you noticed lol my phone auto corrected to OHP. 😂 I think price point wise it’s the best hands down. In fact nothing else is less whippy besides the eleiko. I tested the west side bar and it’s the same. Just reallllly wish someone would copy the eleiko for even 50-70% of the price or so.

[@jacksonblack2776]

Brendan Tietz Tietz ( • )( • )

[@someoneelse9585]

I figured it looked a bit whippy on the deadlift as well.

[@BasementBrandon]

has some flex in it, but every bar does once you start getting heavy.

[@MetalsForBrunch]

would you say Kabuki power bars in nickel material is over hyped or worth getting compared to stainless steel?

[@BasementBrandon]

It is a nice finish when done right, but SS>>>

[@MetalsForBrunch]

@@BasementBrandon I just ordered the Kabuki 250k powerbar in full nickel. From the new pictures it looks like the finish is done right. Couldn't pass up this opportunity since they discontinued full nickel for 4 years.

[@ChristianRenault23]

About the whippy bars, Ray williams heavy squat with the OPB at the Arnold looks better than with the eleiko.

[@BasementBrandon]

I wonder if how old the bar is comes into play?

[@fko1]

Thanks for the informative review. The price point and QC issues are a turn off and for most lifters the Rogue Ohio Power Bar will do just fine, and if you can get a boneyard one, even better. If I really wanted to go all out and buy a specialty bar, then I would just go for the Elieko.

[@BasementBrandon]

I've seen some great bars come out of the boneyard, just wish they gave you the option to buy other caps for the bar lol.

[@Kaikojo]

Is the volcano knurling patented? Honestly my mind was blown when he compared it to the surface area of hills and mountains. It would be sick if this became the industry standard; not only amongst business competitors, but also in powerlifting competitions.

[@BasementBrandon]

Not sure but very good point

[@sethsonnyla15]

what brand are those camo shorts?

[@BasementBrandon]

HVIII Brand

[@carps_gym]

Wish nickel was an option. But since it’s not any longer what would you recommend?

[@BasementBrandon]

For me, the black oxide is my preferred Kabuki finish. The problem is it’s still inconsistent. I’ve been lucky with my 2 BO bars from them, but have seen others get bad finishes. For you in the garage, prob not the best route to go bc of the low oxidation resistance. I do have a red cerakote Columbia bar that would look great in your gym 😝

[@carps_gym]

@@BasementBrandon I’ll dm you

[@carps_gym]

Looks like they are offering bright zinc again since Black Friday. Same deal or any experience with that Kubuki finish?

[@BasementBrandon]

@@carps_gym My original Duffalo was bright zinc, didn't hold up as well as I would have thought.

[@natking1u1z99]

This guy is a giant!

[@BasementBrandon]

lol

[@petejuneor696]

Love your vid

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks dude!

[@ashishjain871]

How does this compare to Eleiko Performance Powerlifting Bar?

[@BasementBrandon]

Eleiko is still better IMO, but it's more expensive as well.

[@ashishjain871]

Got it. Thanks.

[@NickWright]

#ReviewGawd

[@BasementBrandon]

Hello sir.

[@someoneelse9585]

“Niiickkkk wwwrrriiiggghhhhtttt!” Max’s og outtro’s

[@ethanweaver1263]

2:37 Rockwell weighting?

[@BasementBrandon]

Was wondering if anyone was going to catch that.

[@brianfox340]

Long-term may be good that the original end caps didn't work out, since the new ones look so damn good.

[@BasementBrandon]

True that!

[@Sethflig]

What shorts are those @ 4:35 ??

[@BasementBrandon]

From HVIII Brand Goods

[@kekistani2373]

bought the bare steel OPB. I love everything about it except deadlifts. It's stiff lol. I might look into the deadlift bar later on

[@ducdu4136]

KEKistani I got the stainless steel opb. mine wanted to rip at first. After several months of using it, feels like I finally breaking it in or my tolerance just increase over time.

[@kekistani2373]

the knurling is fantastic, i'm just used to a deadlift bar

[@BasementBrandon]

I think you'll find it helps immensely. Especially when you go back to a deadlift bar, it'll seem so much easier lol.

[@xiankenji2981]

2:10 swap two bars around and the "black bar" might just be able to eat the Kabuki bar. because the contacting point for the turning one is a whole circle, while the still one is just at one point. search up ”WHAT CAN YOU CUT WITH PAPER“ on youtube

[@BasementBrandon]

They did the same test with the bars swapped and Kabuki still ate it.

[@xiankenji2981]

@@BasementBrandon I judged the book too soon😅

[@mizoarafat3319]

how much weight can these bar lift

[@BasementBrandon]

More than anyone can lift!

[@GeneralPetey]

Found the steel used in the bar www.aircraftmaterials.com/data/nickel/C250.html

[@BasementBrandon]

Detective work!

[@coin777]

Love watching Your videos in 4K and counting Your beard hairs

[@BasementBrandon]

hey now

[@keepit100kg]

I make quite a chunk of change but I don't see a $500 differentiator in purchasing this bar. I have an Ohio Power Bar and while the knurling is aggressive, I'm not running out and buying a new barbell because of it. Not to mention, my bar was a boneyard variant and came in better shape than this bar; pretty sad for near $700. Especially since Duffin likes to push that these are Made in the USA, blah blah blah.

[@Pler1978]

Nick Lewandowski guy seems to sell some pretty useless crap for high prices and steals an idea while never giving any credit.... Buffalo bar not duffalo

[@keepit100kg]

I mean I think a lot of it does work but none of it is revolutionary IMO. I'm not really a fan of the guy.

[@BasementBrandon]

I really like that he's trying to be innovative with things like the transformer bar, metal used in this bar, loadable mace training, etc. Even if it's not perfect, I think it'll help push others to step their game up or be more innovative.

[@OwenSneddon]

Just ordered mine yesterday 1225 dollars here in Australia

[@BasementBrandon]

Dang

[@PhyFK8]

Haha man you're too nice bro! Sounds like too many quality control issues IMO

[@BasementBrandon]

Even with the 2 I have, it's an awesome bar, just too pricey IMO

[@duradance4475]

Got to love the internet seeing you comment on another internet source lol

[@BasementBrandon]

:)

[@ryokocchan]

That mark on your bar is from the polishing process.

[@BasementBrandon]

You think? Looks more like a stain

[@ryokocchan]

Brandon Campbell Diamond I work as quality control with high grade stainless and carbons. To get your bar to have that shine, it has to go through a polishing process. I’m assuming an electropolishing process from the looks of it. I would have to see it in person to know 100%. It is a stain, in a sense, but it is caused during the polishing process. You really won’t be able to get it out. Think of it as an impurity in the metal.

[@BasementBrandon]

ryokocchan thanks for the insight!

[@srector3]

2:39: Rockwell waiting lol

[@BasementBrandon]

Hannibal Rector it’s not easy doing 10 min long videos without stopping lol

[@naimhdden4339]

That exchange between Duffin and Henniger is pretty funny. All Henniger could really say was that a higher strength steel is potentially more brittle. Really man? Everyone knows that lol. I'm sure Chris, an engineer, is familiar with one of the most basic facts in materials science.

[@BasementBrandon]

Interesting that if you go to Rogue's F scale calculator and put in the Kabuki numbers it also spits out an awful rating lol.

[@psillionpaseion9003]

kabuki bar is real most strong bar? more strong all other bar ?? better strong eleiko power bar , mastodon squat bar?? do you test it ?? i want see this strong test .. what is most strong bar?? test a press machine..

[@BasementBrandon]

If you'd like to donate one :)

[@charliewat]

Wonder if hitting the bar with a a fine sandpaper would turn that mountain knurl to volcano knurling

[@BasementBrandon]

Doubtful as the steel is much harder than the sandpaper.

[@franzmeier2128]

The bar that spins will always eat into the static bar

[@BasementBrandon]

They test both ways and the Kabuki bar still eats into the other one although it's static.

[@JohnmillerPowerlifting]

All i can say is I have been slacking on my BC content. Safe to say I will be getting balls deep when I am home from my holiday

[@BasementBrandon]

hey now

[@ediot6969]

I really have an issue with this bar NOT being SS. I would purchase right now if it was SS.

[@BasementBrandon]

I think part of it is you can't get the same high tensile strength with SS.

[@J-dl3ey]

6:40 the stainless steel ohio power bar costs around 550€ in europe, thats over 600USD :(

[@BasementBrandon]

ouch

[@J-dl3ey]

@@BasementBrandon This is gonna be my first barbell. I'm 21 years old and I have been training for a year now in a gym. I want to build my own home gym and I want a barbell for life. Would you rather get the OPB or the TPB? I'm kind of scared that the walk outs gonna be difficult with the OPB since there is only the 20kg version available in europe and given that I'm a beginner in weight lifting. Would you still recommend the OPB? Thank you for taking your time and making my decision easier.

[@BasementBrandon]

xx xx personally I think the OPB is the better bar. It’s 29mm vs 28.5 and add the increased distance between the plates of the TPB you get more whip. That being said, both are great bars.

[@J-dl3ey]

@@BasementBrandon Thanks a lot, I will be getting the OPB!

[@hiitskaii2592]

i love me some aggressive hard knurling that leaves marks on my palms

[@BasementBrandon]

Right on

[@pritulaag]

sounds like a bunch of excuses to cover up that they had to get the product out quickly before doing any quality control. With all these little issues that popped up, I don't feel confident their bar is constructed the way they say it is. The price tag IMO isn't worth it since it doesn't have the thin sleeve collar like the calibrated OPB does, as well as IPF approval (yes, I'm aware there are other feds that could use this bar). If the price range for this bar was comparable to the non-calibrated 45ln OPB, than maybe it would be in for some strong competition with Rogue, but this just seems like another bar that can be added to the list of gym bars that won't be taken care of.

[@BasementBrandon]

Def get what you're saying. To be fair, you don't have to have the thin collar to be IPF approved. The bar meets all the specs and would just need to pay to be on the list.

[@fvg6421]

Double the price - for shat quality? I don't think so.

[@BasementBrandon]

besides the end caps it's a fantastic bar, def good options for a lot less however.

[@inferno7181]

Aerospace grade alloy? That's auminium in normal people terms.

[@BasementBrandon]

lol

[@professional_larper]

Damn kabuki what’s going on with your bad conditioned equipment??

[@BasementBrandon]

Just a few minor things, still a great bar IMO if you can justify the cost.

[@glenrey72]

The cost is the same as a power rack.

[@BasementBrandon]

Hah yup!

[@doseofreality100]

Seems overpriced for a residential/average bar. But then again I never understood people who could honestly tell the difference b/w bars. Whip is the only thing I can think of that truly separates bars. I don't care how fast the collars spin. Even if I did Olympic lifts.... do they really need that much spin? I mean unless your collars are rusted and seized up pretty much any spin will be fine. Anyways... as for knurling. I started with a cheap fitness gear bar. I think most people generally start out on a cheap bar. Smoother knurling 1) feels better, and 2) increases grip strength IMO. Also... I think people are super nit picky on tyre degrees of knurling..... you can't get a solid grip? Work on grip strength. Or.... ever hear of chalk? I find it difficult to find a bar cheaper than the Texas or Ohio power bars though. So honestly, off you're in the market for a new BB I'd recommend one of those.... and use the remaining $400 on more free weights.... The most important part of a personal gym.... you know... The actual shit you're lifting. That or put that $400 toward those $600ish iron master dbs........ or do the "boring" thing and save/ invest it.

[@BasementBrandon]

I def see your points but a good barbell does make a huge difference IMO. The issue with cheap bars is they just don't last over time. I'd rather buy once then have to replace a bar at some point. With the passive knurl it def starts to make a difference IMO once you start getting up over 500lbs. On squats the bar will slide down your back and on deads (even with chalk) grip becomes a limiting factor.

[@doseofreality100]

Brandon Campbell Diamond - I've never had an issue on deads... my life (grew up on a farm... have worked in maintenance in power plants, refineries, pipelines, etc my entire adult life to this point) has conditioned my hands though/grip strength for it to not be a limiting factor. I can see your point though for squats.... meh... lean forward more, haha. I have a bum knee so I really don't go ape shit on squats. I don't compete though. IMO if you can't win money.... what's the point, haha. So my mentality is if you need better knurling or even chalk can you reeeaaaaallly do the lift? I mean we live in an era where hgh/ steroids is "cheating" because they enhance your performance. So why does no one shit on belts, chalk, excessive knurling, etc. Is that not "enhancing" your performance. To each their own. As for needing to replace a barbell.... only if you cross fit and only lift weights..... and throw them down on the ground, never doing the eccentric motion. That's the only way I can see one breaking a barbell. Solution.... don't do crossfit.... ever.

[@CorporalDeepDick]

Stick to eleiko pl bars... or leoko

[@BasementBrandon]

If you'd like to pay the difference (about $300) I'd be willing to let you :)

[@taitelennox4514]

its not any stronger than a rouge ohio power bar. There is a difference between hardness and strength. Strength is a combination of both hardness and toughness, hardness is the resistance to bending, toughness is the resistance to cracking. The kabuki bar will just snap instead of bend. It's not ideal for a barbell. It's too hard.

[@BasementBrandon]

lol no.

[@taitelennox4514]

@@BasementBrandon ?

[@JuanHugeJanus]

Only buy Eleiko.

[@BasementBrandon]

Even more overpriced for little performance increase.

[@metallitech]

8:05 "playing nintendo" == ????

[@BasementBrandon]

:)

[@vincentzhang327]

Emmm...I should "play more nintendo" to grow a tougher hand.

[@BasementBrandon]

not a single regret

[@americanhero1234]

I'm not paying 700.00 for that drama

[@BasementBrandon]

Ok

[@danielcastaneda4356]

I bet you do have manly hard hands Brandon.

[@BasementBrandon]

all those years of nintendo

[@pwepwe2378]

these kind of vids are for thr rich people alone

[@BasementBrandon]

$600-$700 isn’t expensive in the grand scheme of things.

[@pwepwe2378]

oh ok

[@GeorgeZimmermen]

I wish it cost more money.

[@BasementBrandon]

lol

[@thenorthman9475]

I like rouge better

[@thenorthman9475]

The rouge westside is my favorite.

[@BasementBrandon]

Right on

[@justinwilliams5894]

The problem with their "test" showing how much "stronger" their bar is over the competition by putting their bar on the lathe and the competitors against it isn't accurate or fair at all. If you had reversed it to being the competitors bar on the lathe and the kabuki against it the results would have been flipped. If they had used two kabuki bars for the test the one that was pushed against the one on the lathe will always be the one that gets destroyed...... For a better example, a diamond blade is used to cut diamonds and obviously the stationary diamond is being cut while the rotating blade remains virtually unchanged.

[@BasementBrandon]

They actually did flip it and did the test the opposite way and the results were still the same (Kabuki bar ate the other bar).

[@terstersters]

Eleiko bars are better. Olympic standard.

[@BasementBrandon]

Not when you factor in cost.

[@terstersters]

Brandon Campbell Diamond bye cheap bye twice

[@BasementBrandon]

Johnny Bode there are plenty of bars that are more reasonably priced that compare very favorably.