barbells
Texas Power Bar
The Texas Power Bar (TPB) is the definitive powerlifting bar. It features an aggressive knurl and a stiff 28.5mm shaft that minimizes oscillation during heavy squats and bench presses.
Quality & Materials
190,000 PSI steel shaft. Available in various finishes, but the raw steel or black zinc versions are the traditional choices for maximum grip.
Evidence & Testing
Used in powerlifting federations worldwide for decades. It is the bar that set the standard for what a 'power bar' should be.
Brand Transparency
Manufacturing is done in the USA by Buddy Capps. While they don't have a high-tech website, their material specs are verified by decades of use in the heaviest gyms.
Value Assessment
Extremely affordable for a professional-grade bar. It is arguably the best value-to-performance ratio for anyone focused strictly on the 'Big 3' lifts.
Why Not Alternatives?
The Rogue Ohio Power Bar is its main competitor; however, the TPB has a 50-year legacy of durability and a specific 'sharp' knurl that many competitive powerlifters prefer over Rogue's more 'volcano' style knurl.
Sources & References
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