Texas Deadlift Bar Review

Today we take a look at one of the most iconic powerlifting bars, the Texas Deadlift Bar. We'll talk about why someone would use a deadlift bar and what makes it what it is, as well as talk about this particular bar and it's construction.
Texas Power Bars: www.texaspowerbars.com
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[@robhowe472]

The beard makes me feel like I can trust your reviews more

[@BasementBrandon]

Not like I have something to hide instead?!

[@yourlifesucksandiknowit]

@@BasementBrandon you cant hide something under that beard

[@Guruofsexy222]

Sumo + deadlift bar is the ultimate cheat code.

[@BasementBrandon]

If I could do more doing it that way I would too!

[@bbqseitan7106]

+hook grip +suit

[@drosos_strength_coaching]

Sumo + DL Bar + Being Very Short with ulra wide stance

[@Guruofsexy222]

@@drosos_strength_coaching + long arms too lol

[@drosos_strength_coaching]

@@Guruofsexy222 yes true

[@jmac6973]

Awesome vid! I’ve had so many questions about this bar and you have answered them all. Thanks!

[@BasementBrandon]

Glad to hear!

[@tylersparks239]

This may be most throughout bar review I've come across. Nice info. Thanks

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks for taking a look!

[@JamesTaylor-ge2ot]

some sumo pullers gauge the stance from the rings on the bar. I think thats why they have them

[@kennethsteelhammer]

Spot on!! You can´t discriminate all sumo pullers:)

[@BasementBrandon]

ah good point!

[@user-er3xf4ic4b]

Thanks for that very good review mate I've ordered one 💪

[@BasementBrandon]

Right on!

[@lyleman5129]

Great review as always❤️ i hope u review a Rogue Deadlift bar soon!

[@BasementBrandon]

Would be very similar to this one!

[@David_Whitney]

I'm going to order 1 in the next couple weeks. I compete in the USPA but I had been planning on just pulling with my Chan Bar to make it a little tougher. Only problem is I have an old back injury around the left side of my L4/L5 and the stiffer bar tends to aggravate it.

[@BasementBrandon]

I'd consider grabbing an ODB out of the boneyard for about $100 less, might find something good in there! Or wait until ebay has the 15% code you can then order online and save on the texas version.

[@David_Whitney]

@@BasementBrandon thanks for the advice. My Chan bar is from the boneyard. And I definitely take advantage of those 15% off eBay coupon codes. I'm going to be on the lookout for either 1 of those options.

[@johnsotelo3125]

Can you please try the elite fts sabertooth bench press bar please thanks

[@BasementBrandon]

If I ever come across one!

[@Ziggy21142]

Hey man I know this is kind of a broad question but I'm looking to buy two bars for my home gym. One for pressing(bench and ohp) and one for deadliftts. What two bars do you reccomend? Is a deadlift bar even neccassary if I'm not pulling 500+?

[@BasementBrandon]

I would spend money on a good power bar to do everything with (OPB or new Rep Fitness EX) and then you can buy a specialty bar as you see fit.

[@reddirtfit2872]

Great explanation

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks for taking a look!

[@machoshack]

I use the nerl marks on the bar to allign my shins on the bar during sumo pulls!

[@BasementBrandon]

Yeah I guess my mind is too conventional lol.

[@dofri8373]

very informative 👍🏻

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks for taking a look!

[@mingoreyes1]

Could use it bench press too? Please answer love your video

[@BasementBrandon]

You can "use" any bar to bench, but this one is not ideal to do so.

[@markblain2029]

Would you recommend black zinc or chrome finish on the shaft? I’d definitely want to minimize oxidation but not sure if chrome would feel too “slick” to grip.

[@BasementBrandon]

The good thing about Buddy’s bars is he makes great knurl so even the zinc and chrome ones have some bite. I still think a bare bars feels best but if I had to pick here I’d go black zinc.

[@PEEERRRR]

Excellent video as always sir. Can u please review more Powertools that vibrate however I think that's going to drive maximum traffic and views.

[@BasementBrandon]

That's on my to do list. ASMR power tool channel coming soon.

[@one44two45s]

Agreed Christian.. Please do a detailed review of Kevin's full rack next

[@markhalstead2386]

I am getting up in weight that a deadlift bar seems like a good investment. The new version of the Texas Deadlift bar has longer sleeves, but it also physically longer. Not much room to put he weight plates on when using my Rogue deadlift platform due to a wall on one side and my bumper plate horizontal storage on the right side. I guess I could lift at an angle on the platform.

[@BasementBrandon]

Def can be a problem if you don't have the space!

[@joemfahey]

Its a fun bar but I've been in the middle of sets with around 700lbs on the bar and the whip gets me like crazy on the 3rd or 4th rep sometimes and ruins the set. I like training with a stiff bar and then maxing out with a deadlift bar. Good bar but tricky to use sometimes

[@BasementBrandon]

I found even with lighter work the whip at lockout throws me off if I'm doing rep work.

[@joemfahey]

@@BasementBrandon yea the 700lbs was the lighter work I was referring to

[@Reppintimefitness]

I need this bar

[@BasementBrandon]

It's fun to play around with every now and then but I don't find a regular use for it in my programming.

[@georgevnewman]

Nice info. Just first bumper plate is not for distance, it's for easier loading and unloading the rest of the plates. (technically it's for distance- not horizontal thou but vertical) lol

[@BasementBrandon]

Not in my experience! But I get what you're saying. Most people I know use a jack anyways.

[@brandoncheek2597]

@@BasementBrandon Most bumpers are slightly larger than iron plates, meaning you can slide on your iron plates without the need of a jack after the bumper. Thats why he's saying it's easier for loading and unloading.

[@drosos_strength_coaching]

I have one idea, what about removing all weightclasses and use a formula such as Allometric Scalling to compare lifters. What rules should change to be fair for (almost) all of the lifters. e.g. DL bar preferentialy aids heavier weightclasses (because they lift more weight in absolute terms thus more bend) and most sumo pullers (Sumo's sticking point is almost always at the floor)

[@BasementBrandon]

Well if you consider the best lifter award, that's pretty much what it does.

[@mikereid280]

How does the whip compare to the new Synergee bar?

[@BasementBrandon]

Lol lots more whip at this length and diameter.

[@r1otphoenix474]

does the texas deadlift bar have 2 inch center holes? I have olympic plates and am not sure if the bar would fit it or not

[@BasementBrandon]

Yes, olympic sleeves.

[@chasecampbell7497]

I know your not supposed to bench with the TDLB but when I say if you do touch and go with this bar on bench it’ll give you +15 because the whip will carry you a little bit, honestly just a fun experience

[@BasementBrandon]

lol

[@kraiglavon4793]

Which one should I choose for a great bench press with great knurling that I can really grip

[@BasementBrandon]

Rogue Ohio Power bar.

[@kraiglavon4793]

Brandon Campbell Diamond Thank you... I like the Rogue bars and Texas Bars has a huge dilemma!!!!

[@Xplora213]

Deadlift bar is absolutely awesome for conjugate lifters using chains and bands. The shift in acceleration adds a big change to the lift in the power curve. Love mine. Didn't think it would be a big deal at lighter weights but it helps.

[@BasementBrandon]

Appreciate the insight

[@mensa517]

FROM WHAT YOU DESCRIBED, I THINK THE TEXAS BAR GIVES YOU AND EDGE TO SET, OR RESET YOUR LIFT WITHIN SECONDS...I LIKE THE IDEA

[@BasementBrandon]

Def can

[@RaineyPowerTraining]

What bar would you recommend for a budget home gym, that would be mainly used for the big three? Preferably with center knurling...

[@ChaosCreator73]

Daniel Rainey rogue Ohio power bar, trust me you don’t want to squat with a deadlift bar lol

[@BasementBrandon]

OPB is hard to beat!

[@jaseemz16]

Any idea on where to find one now days without the 2 month wait? and would you recommend a strong arm deadlift bar over a Texas bar?

[@BasementBrandon]

Prob not unless you buy used. StrongArm is solid, very comparable.

[@jaseemz16]

Awesome I guess I’ll just have to buy both lol

[@bmstylee]

Uh oh. Shots fired at sumo guys. 👍

[@BasementBrandon]

I just dislike anyone who pulls more than I do, I'm an equal opportunity hater.

[@stevekdigitalworx]

The 1 dislike must pull sumo.

[@kggiro2]

shots are always fired at sumo guys. what else is new LOL

[@philippwie3539]

Sumo is cheating!

[@crimemalagg716]

Pull sumo, eat butt.

[@jclueben]

Hey Brandon. How is the play in the Texas Deadlift Bar sleeve compared to a snap ring design. Thanks in advance

[@BasementBrandon]

little side to side action but nothing to worry about IMO

[@jclueben]

Thanks Brandon

[@professional_larper]

But DrDeadlift doesnt pull the slack outta the deadlift bar, he just pulled 959 yesterday and it doesnt seem to throw him off at all

[@BasementBrandon]

There are always outliers.

[@royherrera6598]

Hey Brandon, would I see the benefits of this deadlift bar 450 lbs?

[@BasementBrandon]

I think you'd notice a difference, but you have to ask yourself if you want to drop the coin.

[@JoelP1961]

I’m keeping an eye out for a Rogue boneyard deadlift bar.

[@BasementBrandon]

I grabbed one a while back but find I use my ISF one more!

[@JoelP1961]

@@BasementBrandon I may enter a deadlift contest, Idk.

[@Sithnix]

Just bought one of these for my local gym to have

[@BasementBrandon]

Great choice!

[@Sithnix]

@@BasementBrandon got the blue cerakote to match the blue aesthetic of the gym can’t wait to feel the whip on this bad boy 💪💪🙃

[@WilltoImprove]

Think I’m buying today, still little torn before this and rogue

[@BasementBrandon]

I think this is the better DL bar for most.

[@jetblackwindowtinting___]

Should me and my friend buy one

[@BasementBrandon]

If you want a good DL bar!

[@iAmJeffReYY]

great review as always. sumo joke made me giggle

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks for taking a look!

[@acrawford6958]

Since I’ve never used one and only pull 405 would it even flex? Any idea at which weight it could potentially become useful?

[@dustinmcd91]

Andy Crawford before I got a home gym I had access to one. At the time I couldn’t pull 405 and still noticed a good amount of flex when you get into the 300s.

[@kekistani2373]

barely

[@coin777]

I notice a nice bend at around 500 pounds.

[@prplchnchila.]

Less than 500lbs is minimal flex

[@jamesmanning8795]

you'll start to notice a small difference with 275+

[@wyattbreymeyer4033]

diggin the beard bud

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks dude!

[@CEPTime2Entertain]

Solid Beard 💪

[@BasementBrandon]

Hah thanks dude

[@mEtAlMaNiAc787]

i like them cause i can wrap my hands around them better. i use hook grip and have small hands.

[@BasementBrandon]

Right on

[@TheMasterfulcreator]

Personally I don't feel like you even get that much whip out of it until you have 500 pounds or more on the bar. But it definitely feels different.

[@BasementBrandon]

Yeah the more you load on the more benefit you'll see for sure!

[@TheMasterfulcreator]

@James D I'm a nameless, videoless profile. So if my goal is validation and recognition in what sense am I really getting it?

[@BlazinLow305]

@James D Yep, last time I used a deadlift bar and comp plates i pulled 353 for 8, but I still can't do that in my commercial gym with regular bars/plates. It's not much whip but it's there.

[@tks3782]

@James D Personally I don't notice any whip until about the mid 900s.

[@jzomberg]

Would love to see you do a side by side comparison and review with the Rogue Ohio Deadlift bar.

[@BasementBrandon]

there's really not much difference outside a few minor points!

[@uclefriday2860]

I have 3 cheap bars are worn out I lift for fun I just need a bar that last a long time

[@BasementBrandon]

Nice.

[@Rocket_Man.]

*OVER 90 Inches....Daaamn!*

[@mensa517]

ALWAYS THOUGHT THE BAR NEEDED TO BE LONGER

[@BasementBrandon]

I've seen bigger.

[@jensmith7826]

Can we talk about how much Brandon is looking like Michael Keaton circa Family Ties?

[@BasementBrandon]

he still had more hair than I did.

[@jameslima9768]

I use the knurl marks to set up for a sumo deadlift so there is that

[@BasementBrandon]

Yeah I guess my mind is too conventional lol.

[@emehtonich]

The beard gains are REAL. *swoon*

[@BasementBrandon]

lol we'll see how long they last.

[@xtru3aznboix]

I like the video instantly when he mentioned about sumo. Lol

[@BasementBrandon]

:)

[@buffsquirrel9109]

I sumo deadlift 80 lbs less on texas deadlift bar and do 105 lbs less on a conventional deadlift, 50 lbs less on a jefferson deadlift , no less weight on a hack deadlift. The smaller diameter is also harder to hold I have 7 inch hands but 29mm bars feel best.

[@BasementBrandon]

Right on

[@magnushelgestad2286]

Would love to see Bryce @Calgarybarbell pull on a deadliftbar to prove a point 🤓

[@BasementBrandon]

IT would make me feel even worse about myself

[@karlievbayram811]

Nice bar. In Russia people call it "Texas Soft Bar" opposite to all IPF certified stiff bars.

[@BasementBrandon]

lol

[@karlievbayram811]

Try to work with so-called "Leningradka" bar. Rogue replicated it and called it "Russian Bar". Very stiff.

[@AnshulDabholkar]

😂😂😂

[@rianwhitby3480]

Dude, the massive beard is brilliant. ❤️

[@BasementBrandon]

ha we will see how long it lasts.

[@jamesmanning8795]

Gotdamn that beard is looking good son.

[@BasementBrandon]

Going on almost 5 weeks, hoping to make it to 10.

[@lanestevens9894]

I know for a fact I could pull more on a deadlift bar for the simple fact that the knurling actually does what it’s supposed to do

[@BasementBrandon]

Right on!

[@Oldschoolgrizzly]

Why do you prefer the Texas Deadlift bar over the Rogue Ohio Deadlift bar? I have a deadlift platform that a very good friend made for me. I plan on using my deadlift platform as soon as I get my deadlift bar and weight. I would Thank you for expertise ...

[@BasementBrandon]

Larger distance between sleeves, which means more whip.

[@Oldschoolgrizzly]

Thank You Sir💪🏽

[@carps_gym]

Going back to see how you felt 3 years ago

[@BasementBrandon]

Still a great bar! This is their older model with the even thicker collars (less loadable sleeve) which had more whip.

[@colinsissons8493]

The powerlifting rings on a deadlift bar are good for sumo pullers to line up their shins into position, atleast for me and a few other people.

[@BasementBrandon]

Yeah I guess my mind is too conventional lol.

[@colinsissons8493]

@@BasementBrandon lol. Merry christmas by the way.

[@jamescellio6504]

So I should bench with this bar

[@BasementBrandon]

Curl only, adds 500lbs.

[@charliebook1977]

Kind of disappointed in the process so far. I know that their bars are great and that’s why I bought one, but I ordered a Texas Deadlift Bar on April 12th and still have not received it yet. I’ve heard many people say they received theirs within a week. They haven’t even reached out to tell me anything about tracking. 😒

[@BasementBrandon]

Have you tried calling?

[@charliebook1977]

@@BasementBrandon I have, while also emailing. Took a week for them to reply and tell me that they were going to have it out at the end of the week or the following week. Finally received it after pestering them. Haha Can’t wait to use it.

[@philippwie3539]

I am not a fan of having like 4 different barbells (not talking about specialty bars), if I ever build my own home gym I will definitely get an Eleiko Powerlifting Bar instead. Swedish steel, probably the best knurling and just the gold standard overall. Do you own an Eleiko Bar?

[@PronatorsaurusTricepsus]

Have you tried a Eleiko bar?

[@philippwie3539]

​@@PronatorsaurusTricepsus Yes, just did my deadlifts on one like 2 days ago. Not a powerlifting bar though.

[@BasementBrandon]

Eleiko bars are very nice, but IMO it doesn't usually make sense to pay 3x more for a bar that isn't 3x as good.

[@PronatorsaurusTricepsus]

@@BasementBrandon agreed. I lift in powerlifting clubs here in Norway that normally only have eleiko bars. But I have a Ohio PB for my homegym. Cant justify the price difference. More overlooked is the Leoko bars and plates, much prefer them over Eleiko when given the choice actually. Theire competiton bar just feels so more good in my hands for heavy benchpress, I think the knurling is more rugged, though not sharper. And the plates got a nice lip to hold onto when loading them, like old Eleiko plates.

[@ajleuty2387]

Sumo joke earned a like.

[@BasementBrandon]

ayyy

[@ediot6969]

So, this is your favorite black and ‘not so stiff’ shaft? I mean Barbell...

[@BasementBrandon]

Too many too choose

[@2daih4]

Longer by 5 or 6 inches “Fresh”

[@BasementBrandon]

ayyy

[@droidmac]

I'm debating on this or the Ohio deadlift bar, thoughts?

[@kekistani2373]

i've pulled both. They have about the same amount of flex. Texas DL bar is much whippier (i dont like it) while the Ohio DL bar has a decent amount of whip. The knurling on the raw steel Ohio is finer only because i didnt buy black oxide. Its more prone to rust tho.

[@jamesmanning8795]

They are both great man. I don't think you can go wrong either way...that being said I own all 3 Texas bars: squat, power, and deadlift.

[@prplchnchila.]

Ive pulled on both also and i agree either one is excellent

[@BasementBrandon]

Michael Catano I would prob buy one from the boneyard. They have a grey cerakote now for $250 but routinely have bare steel bars for $195

[@droidmac]

​@@BasementBrandon I'll have to check them out. My brother has a Texas DL bar which I've used quite a bit but not sure if I should give the Ohio DL bar a try.

[@CaptDantastic]

What would a hard core purist think?

[@BasementBrandon]

Depends, some would swear by it still. TPB are the go to for most old school strength people.

[@killerDIRK1]

Buddy Capps Bars : the Porsche 911 of Bars .

[@BasementBrandon]

I'd say they're more like the Cadillac. Used to be great, now are just kind of average.

[@killerDIRK1]

Brandon Campbell Diamond , I was thinking more in the Timeless design aspect of it . Thank you for the reply though. If I had the Funds ... Kabuki all the way . I have lifted with them , and that beautiful Velcro grip is ... ridiculous.

[@therawlifefamily]

you said "thinner shaft"

[@BasementBrandon]

Say it a lot in my line of work

[@bryantgouveia]

Holy fuck, this guy resembles Brian Shaw so much

[@BasementBrandon]

we lift the same amount too...!

[@mforbes82]

I came here for the shaft comments

[@BasementBrandon]

Hope I delivered.

[@philivey4105]

Best deadlift bar there is , just ask Larry Wheels.

[@BasementBrandon]

Get's you the most whip due to the larger collars.

[@Alvsmondares]

You should have shown a clip of you pulling sumo 😅

[@BasementBrandon]

I think I'm going to put it in as an accessory for this next training cycle.

[@muffemod]

YOU GOT GREY HAIR

[@BasementBrandon]

yep!

[@landonhall8305]

A lot of sumo people use the rings to set up our stance

[@BasementBrandon]

Ah nice.

[@LowBackPain94]

Sooo you don't like sumo deads?

[@BasementBrandon]

It's just fun to poke the bear, I don't care how people lift :)

[@morteneriksen4371]

Usa cheat bar

[@BasementBrandon]

lol

[@JoeCnNd]

watching and I don't even do deadlift because of my bad back.

[@BasementBrandon]

my man

[@JasonLeeno]

One day you will be mine......

[@kindafatkindastrong5683]

Brandon is already mine! hands off

[@kennethsteelhammer]

@@kindafatkindastrong5683 - even without real legdrive?:)

[@BasementBrandon]

Lol

[@LiftHeavy1]

Everyone likes a good stiff bar

[@BasementBrandon]

ayyy

[@skyekingdom0]

deadlift bars are cheating but that 27 measurement over 29 sounds nice af especially hookgripping with small ass hands

[@BasementBrandon]

Doesn't help much if you have big hands though!

[@kaijuproductions3482]

Texas Power Bar in front of a Massenomics flag.... coincidence I think not!

[@BasementBrandon]

:)

[@TheFarrOutpost]

Sumo is definitely cheating... 😀💪

[@BasementBrandon]

lol

[@ryan5839]

Ppl that pull on these are just insecure about their deadlift to begin with lmao

[@BasementBrandon]

you think?

[@nightbreed141]

Ok lets get some facts straight first off. So this texas bar makes it alot easier to deadlift and super easier to deadlift in summo by 50 to 70 pounds and has already been proven so no arguement there. Also everybody who has world records from back in the day used a stiff bar meaning its alot harder to deadlift with a stiff bar vs a texas deadlift bar. Now there's a law suit going on right now towards more than half powerlifting federations to remove the texas deadlift bars and to use a stiff bar.

[@stevekdigitalworx]

Source for this lawsuit?

[@BasementBrandon]

Not quire. You can't put a number on it like that b/c it varies, as I stated. Also not everyone used "stiff" bars either. A lot of the vintage barbells from back then would be considered whippy by today's stiff bar standards. Lastly, there are no lawsuits lol.

[@BasementBrandon]

martyjanderson falsifying gains

[@kevincorrigan1754]

the powerlifting rings helps with my sumo stance, i use it as a guide.

[@BasementBrandon]

Right on