This is the long-awaited review for Vulcan Strength’s new Stainless Steel Absolute Power Bar; the ridiculously strong, pleasantly aggressive, oxidation resistant beast that is literally 100% stainless steel – so long as you don’t count the end caps.
One only has to look at the images of this bar to see that it’s a beautiful piece of equipment, and it looks even more impressive in person. How does it perform though? and how does it compare to its less-costly baby brother; the Black Oxide Absolute? Better yet, how does the SS Absolute compare to the myriad of other badass powerlifting barbells on the market that sell for the same or even less than the $550 that this bar sells for?
Well I will be answering all these questions and more in this review. I’ll cover the Absolute’s specifications, its performance & durability, and I will compare it to various other power bars currently available. As always, feel free to comment or ask any questions you may have.
Table of Contents
- SS Absolute Power Bar – Specifications
- Stainless Steel Absolute Power Bar Review
- SS Absolute Power Bar – Pros/Cons
- Rogue SS Ohio Power Bar vs the Stainless Steel Absolute
- American Barbell SS Power Bars vs the Stainless Steel Absolute
- Black Oxide Absolute 2.0 vs the Stainless Steel Absolute
- Review Summary – SS Absolute Power Bar
Vulcan Absolute Stainless Steel Powerlifting Bar Specs
Here is a rundown on the Absolute’s specs that you can refer to while reading this review or when making a comparison to other bars. You can also find this information on the product page for the Absolute here.
Be aware that this review is specifically for the stainless steel variant of the Absolute Power Bar. Practically nothing in this review will apply to the Black Oxide Absolute Power Bar 2.0, though you can see my review for that version here!
- IPF standard men’s 20 kg bar, 2200 mm in length
- Shaft diameter: 29 mm
- Shaft finish: stainless steel
- Sleeve finish: stainless steel
- Tensile strength: 240,000 PSI
- Loadable sleeve length: 16¼”
- Knurling: aggressive; with 4″ semi-aggressive center knurl
- Rotation: stainless steel bushing system
- Warranty: standard limited lifetime
- Current batch of SS Absolutes has IWF hash marks (see below)
- Price: $550 (includes shipping)
You read that right; the Stainless Steel Absolute does not have IPF hash marks. So on one hand this is kind of annoying because even though it hardly matters where marks are on a non-certified power bar, we still know that it’s incorrect and that can bother the OCD crowd. On the other hand this bar is a beast, and at $550 it is about $100 less than it will be when this issue is corrected; so it’s an opportunity to get a great bar at a low(er) price.
Obviously Vulcan didn’t want the marks to be misplaced anymore than we do, but shit does happen. It’s happened before on other brand’s bars, and it will probably happen again. So if it would eat at you to have the wrong marks, then you’ll have to wait for the next generation, or find another bar. If you can live with it, just know that that’s the only issue this bar has.
Absolute Stainless Steel Power Bar Review
I’ll cover the Absolute’s knurling and center knurl in some detail, discuss the rotation system and use of stainless steel bushings, and of course address all the other usual features of a high-end barbell.
Absolute Stainless Steel Power Bar – The Shaft
At 240,000 PSI, the Vulcan SS Absolute is one the strongest and stiffest power bars on the market. It’s definitely the strongest stainless steel power bar available. It has 30k PSI on the American Barbell Mammoth Power Bar, and 40k PSI on the Rogue Ohio Power Bar. It even has 22k PSI on the $1200 Ivanko SS Power Bar. So yeah the Absolute is pretty sick; I dare say indestructible.
| Tensile Strength | Stainless | Pricing | |
| Vulcan Absolute 20 kg SS Power Bar | 240,000 PSI | yes | $550 |
| American Barbell 20 kg Mammoth Power Bar | 210,000 PSI | yes | $550 |
| Rogue 20 kg SS Ohio Power Bar | 200,000 PSI | yes | $425 |
| Ivanko 20 kg OBXS SS Power Bar | 218,000 PSI | yes | $1200 |
| American Barbell 20 kg Elite Power Bar | 190,000 PSI | yes | $450 |
| Kabuki Strength 20 kg NG Power Bar | 250,000 PSI | NO | $600+ |
Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that tensile strength is the be-all, end-all of bar specs, but it is an important factor with power bars. Strong and rigid shafts are less likely to flex & whip at heavier loads, and far less likely to permanently deform or break.
Absolute Stainless Steel Power Bar – Sleeve Assembly
The Absolute SS Power Bar is a bushing bar, but the bushings are not bronze or composite like you will find in just about every other bushing bar. They are stainless steel. This means that every major component and nearly every ounce of the SS Absolute is made using high strength stainless steel; shaft, sleeves, and bushings. Everything but the end caps.
No doubt many of you are already raising one eyebrow and wondering why Vulcan Strength would deviate from tried and true materials like bronze. I surely did. Well it turns out that the reasoning behind this change is simply about the strength of stainless steel vs the strength of bronze. With both the shaft and sleeves of the Absolute being virtually indestructible, the use of a relatively soft bushing between these two components would be the only potential weak link in a bar that could otherwise last for many generations; so the change was made.
Does this seem like overkill? Eh a little bit, but a change like this is technically for the better. It’s unlikely that any of us will ever damage (much less outright destroy) a bronze bushing, but technically deformation over the years is possible. The use of stainless bushings simply decreases the likelihood even more. And why not, right? Bushings of any material make up but a fraction of a percent of the total cost of producing a bar. It’s not as though this change made the already 99+% fully stainless steel bar any more expensive to own.
So how does stainless steel perform (spin) compared to the two other bushing types? Truth be told, it’s about the same as cast bronze or composite. Like most power bars, the sleeves of the SS Absolute aren’t high speed sleeves, but spin is still more than adequate. Matter of fact, Vulcan actually uses a minimal amount of lubricant on their power bar simply because excessive spin is not considered a positive trait for a power bar. In other words, it spins less out of the box than it’s actually capable of.
Now on the off chance you require excessive rotation from your power bar (like if you are a huge power clean fan), lubricant can be added to bring rotation up to those sintered bronze levels. Stainless bushings won’t retain oil internally like sintered bronze will (neither will cast bronze or composite btw), but with a few oilings per year you can really keep those sleeves moving.
When it comes down to it the use of stainless steel bushings doesn’t really offer any change in performance so much as it offers us increased durability. I’ve got no problem with this.
Absolute Stainless Steel Power Bar – The Knurl
The knurl of the Stainless Steel Absolute is insane; definitely more aggressive than Vulcans black oxide variant. It is basically like 95% of the Ohio Power Bar in terms of sharpness and depth (in my opinion), making it true competition to both the OPB and the NxG Power Bar for those of you who like a real knurl.
You’ll have no problems holding on to this bar for seriously heavy deadlifts, and you’ll know you’re pushing heavy when you bench with it. This is easily Vulcan’s most aggressive bar – and I’d say by a long shot, but the re-knurling of the black oxide 2.0 variant showed us that Vulcan is willing to get aggressive for us.
Now consider the solid grip that is attainable by this sticky knurling and combine it with the naturally grippy feeling of raw stainless steel and you have a highly tactile surface that just clings to the hands. The knurl literally couldn’t be any better without being uncomfortable.
It gets better though. Just like the black oxide Absolute, the center knurl is less aggressive than the outer knurl while still not being totally passive. That means we get the benefit of a center knurl with some bite to it, only without the discomfort associated with bars that have the completely same center knurl as outer knurl; like the Ohio Power Bar.
Fun fact: The SS Absolute Bar is knurled entirely with the same knurling tool, but because of how strong the 240k tensile strength steel is, only one Absolute can be knurled per tool. Usually a knurling tool (which wholesales for about $20 per) can knurl multiple bars before needing to be replaced, but then again most bars aren’t 240k PSI stainless steel.
What makes this interesting is that the center knurl is actually cut using the same tool, only it’s done dead last. First the bar is knurled inside the IPF marks, then outside the IPF hash marks, then finally the center knurl is cut. By the time the tool gets to that center it’s cutting a shallower, dulled down version of the outer knurl. This is how Vulcan gets an aggressive but not quite too aggressive center knurl on their high tensile power bars.
To summarize the knurl of the SS Absolute, I would say that this bar would actually be fairly intense to anyone not used to aggressive knurl. It’s not quite the Ohio Power, but it’s close enough that I wouldn’t tell someone who hated the Ohio Power to try the SS Absolute. I still think this is another solid 10/10 for knurl and grip security though.
Remember that knurling is very subjective. We all have different sized hands, preferences, tolerances, max lifts, etc. The SS Absolute may actually look more aggressive than say the OPB, but the tighter spacing (more points per square cm) has a sort of softening effect.
Absolute Stainless Steel Power Bar – Elasticity
As is typical of a 29 mm diameter power bar with a 200,000+ PSI rating, the Absolute Bar displays no elasticity. It’s rigid as hell (or rigidAF for you millennials.)
Absolute Stainless Steel Power Bar – Finish (or lack thereof)
I think we all know by now that this bar lacks a proper finish being that it’s a stainless steel bar. Other than to let those who are new to barbell shopping know that stainless steel is a premium, oxidation resistant metal that is unrivaled in the grip department, there is nothing else to add.
Stainless steel is the ultimate shaft material; end of story.
Absolute Stainless Steel Power Bar Pros & Cons
Pros
- The aggressive knurling is appropriate for a power bar, and although it does feel more aggressive than the black oxide 2.0 Absolute, I still think it deserves a 10/10 for knurl quality.
- The center knurling is a toned down version of the outer knurl. It’s not passive, but it’s less aggro than some other very popular power bars; making it more comfortable for power cleans and back squats.
- The stainless steel shaft offers the same natural, grippy feel as raw carbon steel, but without the oxidation.
- Stainless steel sleeves are strong and beautiful, and without a finish will wear less and age better than chrome/zinc coated sleeves.
- The use of stainless steel bushings offer strength, reliability, and solid rotation without being excessive or erratic.
- The SS Absolute is the strongest stainless steel power bar on the market.
- Price includes shipping.
- Sleeves are grooved for change plates (which could be either a pro or con depending on your preferences.)
Cons
- Obviously the misplaced hash marks are a con, and one I will not try to defend because I know for many, this absolutely (no pun intended) matters.
- The SS Absolute is expensive, and will ultimately be even more expensive.
- Aggressiveness is probably a bit much for novices.
- Sleeves are grooved for change plates (which could be either a pro or con depending on your preferences.)
Vulcan SS Absolute Power Bar vs…
Let’s see how the Vulcan Absolute stacks up against a couple other bars.
Vulcan SS Absolute vs Rogue SS Ohio Power
The Rogue Ohio Power Bar is currently the lowest priced stainless steel power bar; at least in terms of the major manufacturers that are using high quality stainless steel. For $425 you can own the IPF-certified, 20 kg Ohio Power Bar, and for only $395 you can grab the non-certified 45-lb Ohio Power Bar. Both of these bars are rated at 200,000 PSI tensile strength, and both are significantly less costly than the Vulcan SS Absolute. So why should you even bother with the Absolute?
The Vulcan SS Absolute is a more expensive bar because it’s a higher quality bar. It has a [much] stronger shaft, it has stainless steel sleeves rather than the chrome-finished carbon steel sleeves on the Ohios, and it even has stainless steel bushings instead of cast bronze. The Vulcan has knurling that is marginally more comfortable without being at all weak, and a center knurl that isn’t so aggressive that it almost forces you to own a second bar for back squats and power cleans.
Now I could definitely make an argument for either of these powerhouses, especially since the Vulcan currently has the misplaced hash marks while still costing $550, but objectively the Absolute is a superior product. It’s tighter, quieter, prettier, and it should shrug off abuse with ease (and forever) considering how tough the steel is. That said, cost is priority one for a lot of people, and the difference between an indestructible bar and a nearly-indestructible bar may not be worth the extra money (especially when these bars don’t really feel different in the hands).
Personally I’ll always favor the option with the milder center knurling. I already have a fairly expensive accessory bar that I can only use for deadlifts, I don’t really want to own a power bar that only gets used for the bench or overhead press, but can’t comfortably be squatted with or power cleaned. *
* I am looking at this from the perspective that you probably aren’t going to want to own a different $300+ bar for every single lift your perform; deadlift bar, squat bar, bench bar, etc. Even if you do find the idea of that appealing, for practical or financial reasons you’ll really just want a bar that can handle all big three lifts and the accessory lifts.
Absolute SS Power Bar vs American Barbell SS Power Bars
American Barbell offers two different stainless steel powerlifting bars – the Elite Power Bar and the Mammoth Power Bar. The Elite is a 190k PSI power bar that sells for $450, and the Mammoth is a 210k PSI Cerakote finished power bar that sells for $550. Yes, the Mammoth is still a stainless steel bar despite the finish.
Both of American Barbell’s stainless steel power bars are high-end, well-refined bars. The stainless steel is high-quality, the composite bushings are very reliable and smooth, and the manufacturing tolerances are the tightest in the industry; which results in a very quiet bar.
The drawback of the American Barbell Elite is the tensile strength of the shaft relative to the price of the bar. 190,000 PSI is just not a very impressive number for a power bar that costs $450. Having said that, the Elite is one of my favorite bars in my collection. In addition to all of the pros that I just mentioned, the AB power bars are the only premium power bars in the industry with a moderate knurl. This can be a big selling point for those who desire stainless but who don’t want a super aggro knurl.
The Mammoth is a different beast altogether. It has a much stronger 210k PSI shaft, but the benefit of that shaft being stainless is nullified since the shaft is covered in Cerakote. I kind of get the whole Cerakote thing, but I don’t get wrapping stainless steel in any finish. In any case, I don’t consider the Mammoth to be a stainless steel bar; it’s a Cerakote bar.
Just like with the Ohio Power Bar, I can make a case for the AB Elite for those who prefer a milder knurl. The price may be high for a 190k PSI power bar, but the price is still $100 less than the Absolute, and the build quality of the Elite can easily match that of the Absolute.
The Mammoth isn’t really a contender in my opinion; even though it’s the same price as the Absolute. I definitely recommend the Elite over the Mammoth if you plan to go the AB route.
Stainless Steel Absolute vs Black Oxide Absolute 2.0
The basic Absolute Power Bar 2.0 is a black oxide power bar with dense chrome sleeves. It has a very high tensile strength rating of 221k PSI, a wider-spaced groove formation on the sleeves, and a laser etched VULCAN logo on the inside of the collars. The 2.0 is a beautiful power bar with a firm knurl, grippy oxide finish, and extremely reasonable price tag of $339.
The Stainless Steel Absolute is clearly a nicer bar than the Absolute 2.0, but it’s also over $200 more (simply think of the SS Absolute as the luxury edition of the 2.0). If your budget doesn’t allow for the SS version of the Absolute, don’t even sweat it. The 2.0 is as solid as any other mid- to high-range power bar on the market. But if your budget does allow for it, well, what’s wrong with luxury?
Absolute Stainless Steel Power Bar Review Summary
The Vulcan SS Absolute is a very unique power bar. The use of stainless for every possible component makes it not only a functional and strikingly resilient bar, but also a beautiful bar. The aggressive, stainless shaft clings to the hands, the assembly is tight and quiet, and I’m fairly confident that no amount of weight that could be lifted by a human being could deform its shaft. The Absolute is both beauty and beast.
Not to oversell the resilience aspect of the SS Absolute, but in the 45+ days that I’ve been lifting with it I have failed to make the bar look like it’s actually been used. Such strong steel with no finish doesn’t really show the normal scrape marks on the sleeves that you get from plate loading and unloading. There’s obviously no signs of oxidation anywhere, and without the need for chalk the shaft still looks brand new. Could the Absolute be the closest thing to a timeless bar?
I’m convinced that the SS Absolute will not only survive me and remain functional for many decades, but I trust it will still look just as classy five, ten, and even 20 years down the road. Keep in mind that stainless steel is one of the few materials that can actually be restored if ever allowed to fall into disregard. Stainless can be brushed, oiled, and buffed; and without any risk of destroying an irreplaceable finish.
All that said, the SS Absolute is expensive; definitely a luxury purchase. The current $550 is not even the bar’s permanent price, as that price will go up with the next batch (when those misplaced hash marks are corrected.) Now I don’t think the price is at all unreasonable, nor do I think $550 is too much to spend on a bar that will last a lifetime. I mean how different is buying a fully stainless, 240k PSI power bar from buying an NxG Performance Power Bar for $850, or the $600+ Kabuki Power Bar (neither of which are even stainless btw)?
The SS Absolute is a great bar, and an easy 5/5 stars in terms of build quality, performance, aesthetics, and value, but if you don’t think it’s a 5-star bar with misplaced hash marks, well then wait a minute for the new version. A $650 SS Absolute (if it’s even as high as $650) is still $200-$300 less than the NxG power bars, and maybe even more bar.
Vulcan Stainless Steel Absolute Power Bar
Finally! I already knew how awesome this bar is but I just wanted to nerd out reading a full review of it. Totally agree. This is definitely my favorite bar of all time even over my Eleiko NxG which is gorgeous. I prized my SS OPB and even thought about selling my Vulcan when I received it with the incorrect markings. That was before I started using it though. That aggressive center knurl on the OPB was rough during squats. The Vulcan is just right.
Totally blown away by this bar. Shows no wear whatsoever even with heavy use, very quiet, and incredibly stiff. Also helps that I prefer grooved sleeves.
The marking thing is honestly infuriating and really does bother me, but I honestly don’t notice it when using the bar. Just when it’s hanging on the wall. Vulcan said the price will go up, not because the markings will be fixed, but because of the price of stainless steel going up. I’m sure it’s a bit of both, haha.
As well know, knurling can be hard to describe, but I thought this was a great description: “The SS Absolute may actually look more aggressive than say the OPB, but the tighter spacing (more points per square cm) has a sort of softening effect.”
haha sorry for the wait. I have to actually use the bars. I know that’s not every reviewer’s system, but it is mine still =P
It’s a shame that literally the only thing wrong with the bar was some dude’s oversight in a factory; who I hope was demoted (not totally fired – a guy is allowed a mistake right? He’s still gotta eat haha.)
The bar is a keeper though, and I’m looking forward to the day I can edit out the marking mistake in this review; though I will have to raise the price in the review and edit all that verbiage too, but then it’ll just be a 100% positive review.
Am glad to hear you agree though. Writing up the knurl section is always the most challenging. So hard to be completely fair when so much of it is simply personal preference.
My “finally” was more of anticipation than impatience. As we’ve discussed before, I’m glad you actually use the gear before reviewing. I’m going to cut to the chase and start a new site called garagegymunboxing.com soon, haha.
lol I think that site already exists. Think they went with a different name though.
We’re not very nice, are we? haha
Meh, for every Rogue (or Vulcan in this case) there must be a Titan.
Agree or disagree regarding power bar lineup:
1) Squat – Vulcan SS Absolute
2) Bench – High Weight/low volume – Vulcan SS Absolute (or SS OPB)
3) Bench – Training: AB Elite
4) Deadlift – ODB
This is sort of my planned lineup when they release the ODB in SS. This also eliminates ultra premium NxG or Ivanko bars. Kabuki needs to refine their 2nd gen and add SS before I’ll consider them although what they are doing is intriguing.
I completely agree. Definitely squats with the SS Absolute. I also do longer bench sets with the Elite (well the Super, but same difference). And yeah I’m a huge fan of the ODB. I’ve thought about trying the Cerakote just to see what impact is has on the knurling. I don’t need another OPB, that’s for sure – and my Cerakote bars are only California and Bella. I’ve never been able to test wear on Bella cause what in the world would I use it for.
Kabuki Power Bar price is horrendous. I’d love to review it, but I’m not spending upwards of $700 shipped for a corrosion resistant version of that bar.
The only Cerakote bar I would consider would be the Bella. My wife’s black/bright zinc Bella is an eye sore. I’ve got to replace it sometime but it doesn’t get used enough for SS. Would have to be Cerakote with chrome sleeves though. Don’t understand the cerakote sleeves.
Price is now (4-June-2018) listed as $712.99. Ouch!
That’s the Absolute SS Olympic Bar. Unless my copy of that page is super cached or something, it still shows at $549.99 for the Absolute SS Power Bar.
Doh! Ignore my previous comment: $712 is the price for the SS bearing bar.
Been using the SS Absolute bar now for a week or two in my (new) garage gym. My other bar is a bare steel B&R 1.0 that I keep in the weight room at my fire station.
Pros:
-The knurl is amazing. Just this side of too aggressive. Zero need for chalk and I’m working out in 85* with high humidity.
-Super-tough stainless means I don’t have to worry too much, if at all, about rust & maintenance. This is good, because I have a bunch of kids and I’d like them all to strength train as they hit their teens.
-Build quality is great. Bar is noticeably quieter than my B&R.
Cons:
-Pricey. But combining it with their flat foot rack and some bumpers saved a couple hundred bucks. Once I spread those costs across myself, my wife and my kids and several years – shoot it’s almost free!
-The non-knurled center of the bar is quite slick. I miss the incredible feeling of the B&R’s bare steel.
Thanks Robert.
Your York B&R is loud you think?
Well I thought so but now that I think about it, I’m using sloppy Weider cast iron plates with the B&R and the room is smaller, too.
Now I feel like I need to test this more scientifically.
I really enjoy reading your reviews so thanks for all of the work you put into this!
I’m torn between the OPB and the Vulcan SS Absolute. I did low bar squats with an OPB a few weeks ago and the center knurl didn’t bother me at all and the bar definitely stuck to my back much better than my York B&R bar (though the knurl has worn out quite a bit on the York B&R). My biggest fear with the Vulcan is that the recessed center knurl won’t give me the “stick” that I want on low-bar squats. How mild would you say the center knurl really is? Is it about on par with what would pass as medium knurl for other barbells? Am I worrying too much and there’s practically a zero percent chance the Vulcan isn’t gonna stick to my back very well?
Thanks Mark. I wouldn’t call the center knurl of the Absolute mild at all, it’s just not as aggressive as the OPB. I suppose you could call it a medium-aggressive since there are indeed more aggressive power bars. I think it would be considered just aggressive if compared to non-power bars. But yes, you might be worrying too much because both of these bars are going to stick. If you didn’t mind the OPB then there is little reason to avoid it, however that SS Absolute is a really, really nice bar.
Compared to my B&R, the center knurl on the Absolute SS is much more aggressive.
Not sure I can tell the difference between the full depth and the milder center knurl.
But I do notice the polished non-knurled areas feel slicker than the bare steel B&R when I’m low bar squatting.
But having a nearly indestructible bar for my humid summers and cold, damp winters sure is nice!
This is extremely helpful, thank you. One more question: do you notice a difference in how loud (or quiet) the Vulcan is compared to the York B&R (or the OPB)? My B&R bar has a ton of sleeve play which makes it very loud on deadlifts even though I lower it instead of dropping it. It may not seem like something that should make a huge difference when buying a bar, but since I’m lifting in a tiny garage the loudness of my B&R bar just seems that much worse.
The York B&R is not a loud bar, although the 2.0 is. Vulcan bars are quieter than Rogue and Texas bars, but nothing is as quiet as an American Barbell.
It’s not at all out of the ordinary for the noise factor to play a fairly big role in the decision-making process. Some bars are unbelievably loud – people are in their garage; kids and spouse maybe sleeping, close neighbors, etc. I recently got a Texas Deadlift Bar and was a little sad to find out that it is literally just as loud as the Rogue Deadlift Bar I was hoping it would quietly replace.
My York B&R bar definitely has more sleeve play than my Vulcan Elite bearing bar. Hopefully the SS Absolute is closer to my Vulcan Elite than my York B&R. Not a huge deal either way since it’s mostly the sound from the weights hitting the floor that carries the most through my house. I ordered the Vulcan though so I’ll report back on my findings once it gets delivered in the next 5-10 days.
It’s been longer than 5-10 days but my SS absolute came in and I’ve been able to use it several times. It is definitely quieter when dropped compared to my York B&R. The center knurl is perfectly fine for back squats as well and so far I haven’t had to use any chalk on deadlifts, whereas I had to use chalk for anything over 225 with the York B&R. Thanks a ton for your advice.
Side question: how do you clean this thing? I have gym wipes but the knurl just shreds them. Same with using oil; I try to wipe it down with a lint free cloth and the cloth shreds and gets all stuck in the knurl.
That’s awesome. Beautiful bar, right?
haha yeah that knurl is too much for towels and rags. Get yourself a semi-firm nylon brush to clean it. Don’t use a wire (steel) brush. You can use whatever safe cleanser or oil with the brush and it won’t shred. If you need to remove any cleanser or oil you should just get some cheap rags in bulk and let them be sacrificed to the bar. You can just dab instead of wipe if you’re just drying though, that will allow them to survive a little longer.
I just ordered this bar from the B-Side closeout for my second bar. I can’t thank you enough for all of the info you have provided in helping me make this decision. Your reviews are second to none and I am well educated on bars and other garage gym equipment because of them. I was originally going to purchase the Vulcan Elite Power Bar but steered away from that after hearing your thoughts on the knurling. I then was looking at the American Barbell Mammoth or Elite (Mammoth is on sale right now) and the new Matt Chan bar. But I didn’t want a cerakote finish and I wanted a more aggressive knurling for my second bar. My other bar is a Vulcan Standard, so it just made sense since I love that bar and have Vulcan bumpers and change plates. I am looking forward to putting this bar to use. Thanks again.
Thanks Tim, I appreciate your kind words and I am always happy to hear that the content has helped! I really like to hear what you just said when it comes to Vulcan – that you’ve already purchased Vulcan equipment before and love it, and you went back. I’ve been a fan of Vulcan for years and it’s only in the last couple that enough people are aware of and familiar with them to try them over companies like Rogue who just have insane amounts of name recognition. The SS Absolute is just a sick bar. You call it a second bar but I think you’ll soon be referring to the Standard as your second bar ;) Come back after a while and let me know what you think of it – especially it being a B-side.
Your review mentioned sleeve build quality in comparison the American Barbell and noise. I’m familiar with the quality and sound of AB bars. However, I’ve never had my hands on a Vulcan bar (or OPB). How do Vulcan bars (and Rogue bars) compare from a sleeve tolerance and sound perspective?
I do also have a very noisy boneyard Chan bar, but I’m not sure if Chan bars are normally this noisy, or if it’s noisy because Rogue just slapped on whatever sleeves and called it a boneyard bar.
Vulcan bars aren’t as loud as Rogue bars. Both Rogue and Texas Power Bars make pretty noisy bars for some reason. You having a loud Chan is not surprising, and it doesn’t have anything to do with the fact that it’s a Boneyard bar. Most of these companies do not offer any variation in sleeves. That is, a Chan isn’t getting a different sleeve than any other 28.5 mm bushing bar that they offer.