This article is a work in progress. Normally I wouldn’t publish an incomplete article, but its completion is dependent on my readers knowing of its existence and contributing to it.
I have been writing articles and equipment reviews for this site for well over five years now, and in that time I’ve been asked hundreds if not thousands of questions about bars, plates, racks and stands, the reputations of various vendors, and so much more – but there is one particular question that I can always count on getting over and over again, and that’s some variation of the following:
“What is the knurl of bar X like, and how does the knurl of bar X compare to the knurl of the bar Y?”
Why do I get asked this question so often? Because the depth, aggressiveness, quality, and overall feel of a bar’s knurl is the final and most critical factor when it comes to zeroing in on the right bar, yet it’s the hardest aspect of a bar to thoroughly define using nothing but some buzzwords in a product description; especially when all these buzzwords are relative terms (mild, moderate, standard, aggressive, etc.)
Sure, everything from a bar’s tensile strength, finish, price, and even loadable sleeve length can be found in a bar’s product description; and all of that is certainly helpful; but without an acceptable amount of certainty about what we can expect from any given bar’s knurl we are just very reluctant to pull the trigger and make the purchase no matter how we feel about all other aspects of the bar.
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So what is it that people really want to know about a bar’s knurling before they commit to it? Well in nearly all cases they want to know how the knurling compares to the bar that they’re currently using. That’s really what it comes down to most of the time.
And how would one best discover how the bar they are currently using feels and compares to potential new bar X, Y, and Z? Well obviously nothing beats putting your hands on a bar and busting out a few sets to see how it feels but unfortunately that’s not possible, so the next best thing would be some high resolution pictures; pictures that not many companies go out of their way to share with us in their product descriptions, and that’s what this guide is for.
This knurl guide will ultimately (hopefully) have detailed images of every major contender in the barbell market; men’s and women’s Olympic WL bars, power bars, and WOD and multi-purpose bars. With any luck you will be able to download a copy of any bar’s knurl in order to compare it to what you currently have, and ideally you will have a much higher degree of certainty about whether that bar will meet your needs.
Want to contribute to this guide: go here.
Knurl Gallery Table of Contents
Bars are in alphabetical order by manufacturer, then by bar name for any manufacturer that has multiple bars that fit into that category.
- Power Bars (started – submissions welcome)
- Olympic WL Bars (no bars added yet – submissions still welcome)
- Multi-Purpose Bars (started – submissions welcome)
- Specialty Bars (started – submissions welcome)
- Contribute to this Guide
Knurl Gallery – Power Bars
Unless stated otherwise, the following powerlifting bars have 29 mm diameter shafts and only IPF hash marks. Dual-marked bars can be found in the Multi-Purpose Bar section.
Again, this list is not complete. I can think of half a dozen bars missing from this category without even trying. Feel free to contribute your bar images.
American Barbell Elite Power Bar
190k PSI; stainless steel shaft; hard chrome sleeves; composite bushings; moderate, very refined knurling; 20 kg; American-made; $450
Manufacturer’s knurl description: N/A
 outer knurl |  center knurl |
American Barbell Grizzly Power Bar
190k PSI; industrial hard chrome shaft and sleeves; composite bushings; moderate yet very refined knurling; 20 kg; American-made; $250
Manufacturer’s knurl description: N/A
 outer knurl |  center knurl |
American Barbell Mammoth Power Bar
210k PSI; Cerakote-finished stainless steel shaft, hard chrome sleeves; moderate yet very refined knurling; composite bushings; 20 kg; American-made; $550
Manufacturer’s knurl description: N/A
 outer knurl |  center knurl |
Buddy Capps Texas Power Bar
186k PSI; 28.5 mm diameter black zinc shaft; raw steel sleeves; composite bushings; very aggressive knurling; 20 kg; Texas-made; $~300
Manufacturer’s knurl description: deep diamond knurling
 outer knurl |  center knurl |
Texas Power Bar image provided by Greg Eakins.
Kabuki Strength New Gen Power Bar
250k PSI; multiple shaft and sleeve finish options; aggressive knurl and center knurl, 20 kg; made in USA; $599+
Manufacturer’s knurl description: aggressive
 outer knurl | center knurl |
Eleiko NxG IPF Competition Powerlifting Bar
215k PSI; raw shaft; chrome sleeves; very aggressive knurl and center knurl; IPF-certified; bronze bushings; 20 kg; made in Sweden; $949
manufacturer’s knurl description: very sharp (Eleiko rating of 1.5)
| outer knurl | center knurl |
Eleiko NxG Performance Powerlifting Bar
215k PSI; galvanized shaft & sleeves; very aggressive knurl and center; bronze bushings; 20 kg; made in Sweden; $849
manufacturer’s knurl description: sharp/aggressive
| outer knurl | center knurl |
FringeSport Power Bar
216k PSI; matte chrome shaft and sleeves; moderately aggressive knurl and center knurl; bronze bushings; 20 kg; Taiwanese; $299
manufacturer’s knurl description: deep, aggressive, & blunted
 outer knurl | center knurl |
Ivanko OBXS-20KG Powerlifting Bar
218k PSI, stainless steel shaft; very aggressive knurl; center knurl; bushings; IPF-certified; 20 kg; made in USA; $1249
manufacturer’s knurl description: fine and unpolished (unpolished points)
| outer knurl | center knurl |
Rep Fitness PowerSpeed Power Bar
215k PSI; black manganese or hard chrome shaft; hard chrome sleeves; bronze bushings; aggressive knurl; 20 kg; moderate-aggressive center; imported; $299
manufacturer’s knurl description: very deep and aggressive
 outer knurl |  center knurl |
Rogue Ohio Power Bar
200k+ PSI; 45-pound and 20 kgs available; IPF-certified variant available; multiple finishes; bronze bushings; very aggressive knurl and center knurl; $250+
manufacturer’s knurl description: deep and coarse, yet non-abrasive
 outer knurl |  center knurl |
Rogue Westside Power Bar
205k PSI; 45-lbs; black zinc shaft and sleeves; bronze bushings; very aggressive knurl and center knurl; $325
manufacturer’s knurl description: deep and coarse, yet non-abrasive
| outer knurl | center knurl |
Titex Competition Power Bar
220k PSI; black magnetite shaft; satin chrome sleeves; sintered bronze bushings; moderate aggressive knurl and center knurl; 20 kg; IPF-approved; $399
manufacturer’s knurl description: N/A
| outer knurl | center knurl |
Vulcan Absolute Power Bar V2.0
221k PSI; black oxide shaft; matte chrome sleeves; bronze bushings; aggressive knurl and moderately-aggressive center; 20 kg; imported; $339
manufacturer’s knurl description: aggressive / sharp
 outer knurl |  center knurl |
Vulcan Stainless Steel Absolute Power Bar V2.0
240k PSI; stainless steel shaft and sleeves; stainless steel bushings; aggressive knurl and center knurl; 20 kg; imported; $549
manufacturer’s knurl description: aggressive
 outer knurl |  center knurl |
Vulcan Elite Power Bar
196k PSI; black zinc shaft; bright zinc sleeves; Oilite bushings; extremely aggressive knurl; aggressive center; 20 kg; made in USA; $369
manufacturer’s knurl description: very aggressive
 outer knurl |  center knurl |
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Knurl Gallery – Olympic WL Bars
IWF-marked, 28 mm Olympic bearing bars and Olympic bushing-based training bars.
Vulcan Elite V3/V4 Olympic Training Bar
221k PSI; 28 mm; matte chrome shaft; bright chrome sleeves; sintered bushings; moderate knurl; passive center; 20 kg; imported; $369
manufacturer’s knurl description: moderately aggressive
 outer knurl |  center knurl |
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Knurl Gallery – Multi-Purpose Bars
The following bars are almost entirely dual-marked bars, though there are some exceptions when a bar with single IWF marks is marketed as a WOD bar or general-purpose bar. Shaft diameter is not consistent among this category so I’ll include that in the brief description.
American Barbell Cerakote California Bar
190k PSI, 28 mm Cerakote-finished shaft; hard chrome sleeves; dual-markings; composite bushings; moderate knurling; no center knurl; 15 kg or 20 kg; American-made; $335
Manufacturer’s knurl description: N/A
 outer knurl |  no center knurl |
Eleiko XF Bar (non-NxG)
215k PSI, 28 mm; special chrome shaft and sleeves; dual-marks; combo bushing & bearing system; aggressive knurling; no center; 15 kg or 20 kg; made in Sweden; $589
Manufacturer’s knurl description: firm
 outer knurl | no center knurl |
FringeSport Hybrid Bar
216 PSI, 28.5 mm; matte chrome shaft & sleeves; dual-marks; needle bearings; moderate knurling; passive center; 20 kg; Taiwanese; $399
Manufacturer’s knurl description: deep outer; light center
 outer knurl |  center knurl |
FringeSport Wonder Bar V2
205 PSI, 28.5 mm; black zinc shaft & sleeves; dual-marks; bushings or bearings; moderate knurling; no center; 15kg or 20 kg; imported; $199
Manufacturer’s knurl description: smooth knurl depth
 outer knurl | no center knurl |
 alternative outer knurl (unfinished) | 
|
Rogue Bella Bar
190k PSI, 25 mm black zinc shaft; bright zinc sleeves (Cerakote variants exist); dual-marks; bronze bushings; mild knurling; no center knurl; 15 kg; American-made; $215
Manufacturer’s knurl description: firm but comfortable grip
 outer knurl | no center knurl |
Rogue Bella Bar image provided by Greg Eakins.
Rogue Matt Chan Bar
200k PSI; Cerakote-finished stainless steel shaft, hard chrome or Cerakote sleeves; dual-markings; moderately aggressive knurling; passive center knurling (unfinished); composite bushings; 20 kg; American-made; $395
Manufacturer’s knurl description: standard knurl
 outer knurl |  center knurl |
 alternative outer knurl (chrome) |  alternative center knurl (chrome) |
Rogue Stainless Steel Ohio Bar
200k PSI, 28.5 mm stainless steel shaft; chrome sleeves; dual-marks; composite bushings; moderately aggressive knurling; no center knurl; 20 kg; American-made; $350
Manufacturer’s knurl description: firm, non-abrasive grip
 outer knurl | no center knurl |
Vulcan 28.5 mm Standard
194k PSI, 28.5 mm; bright zinc shaft and sleeves; IWF marks; Oilite bronze bushings; mild knurling; no center knurl; 20 kg; American-made; $286
Manufacturer’s knurl description: medium knurling
 outer knurl | no center knurl |
York Burgener & Rippetoe Bar
190k PSI, 29 mm; unfinished steel shaft and sleeves; dual-marking; Oilite bronze bushings; moderate knurling; passive center knurl; 20 kg; [discontinued]
Manufacturer’s knurl description: N/A
 outer knurl |  center knurl |
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Knurl Gallery – Specialty Bars
The following bars are all specialty bars like curl bars, deadlift bars, squat bars, etc.
Buddy Capps Texas Deadlift Bar
186k PSI; 27 mm diameter shaft, 90″ long; black zinc finish, polished steel sleeves; coarse knurling; no center knurl; bronze bushings; American-made; $~400
Manufacturer’s knurl description: coarse
 outer knurl | center knurl |
Texas Deadlift Bar image provided by Greg Eakins.
Buddy Capps Texas Squat Bar
186k PSI; 30 mm diameter shaft, 8′ long; black zinc finish, polished steel sleeves; coarse knurling; 6″ center knurling; bronze bushings; American-made; $~500
Manufacturer’s knurl description: N/A
 outer knurl |  center knurl |
Texas Squat Bar image provided by Joe Gray.
Rogue EZ Curl Bar
110k PSI; 28.5 mm diameter shaft, 54.5″ long; black e-coated shaft and bright zinc sleeves; moderate knurling; no center; bronze bushings; 30-lbs; American-made; $195
Manufacturer’s knurl description: same non-abrasive knurl pattern from the standard Ohio Bar
 outer knurl | no center knurl |
Rogue Ohio Deadlift Bar
190k PSI; 27 mm diameter shaft, 90.5″ long; choice of unfinished steel, zinc, and Cerakote; very aggressive knurling; no center; bronze bushings; 20 kg; American-made; $310+
Manufacturer’s knurl description: same pattern as Ohio Power Bar, only deeper and more aggressive
 outer knurl | no center knurl |
Strength Shop USA Axle Bar w/ Knurling
One-piece, 2″ thick axle bar at 82.5″ long and weighing 20 kg; black zinc finish; imported; aggressive knurling; $129
Manufacturer’s knurl description: N/A
 outer knurl |  center knurl |
Strength Shop Axle Bar image provided by Joe Gray.
Troy VTX Super 74″ Rackable EZ Curl Bar (GOZ-74B)
300-lb capacity; 30 mm cambered shaft; 74″ long; 8.5″ loadable sleeves; black zinc finish; bronze bushings; mild/moderate knurl; NO center knurl; 35-lbs; $~200
Manufacturer’s knurl description: light
 outer knurl |  alternative view – outer knurl |
Troy VTX 74″ Rackable Curl Bar image provided by Greg Eakins.
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Want to Contribute to this Knurling Guide?
It’s impossible for me to have every single bar, so I will need your help making this guide as comprehensive as possible.
If you own a bar that’s missing from this guide or you think that you are capable of providing a clearer, more detailed image than one that already exists in this guide, send that image to me at jburgeson@garage-gyms.com. Please do the following:
- Please be clear about which bar it is. Don’t just say “Eleiko NxG” or “Vulcan power bar”.
- Please shoot in landscape, and do not reduce image size below 1800 pixels wide.
- Please also include a picture of the bar’s end cap.
- Please choose a neutral background (bench pad, flooring, etc.)
- Of course, be aware that by contributing any image(s) that you give me indefinite rights to use it/them on this site and/or my social media pages.
- Your bar doesn’t have to be on the list to make the list, though the following bars might not (probably won’t) be added:
- super obscure or classic bars that no one owns.
- extremely cheap box-store bars (there’s just too damn many of them).
- unknown name bars or bars with no discernible model number/type.
- Manufacturers are more than welcome to contribute their own high-def image.
I am more than willing to give you credit for your contribution by including your name in the following line below the image: “bar y knurling image contributed by x” where x can be your name or your IG handle; your choice.
As always, I appreciate your support. Thank you in advance for any contributions you are able to provide to this guide.
