Bells Of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0
The Bells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0 is my budget power-bar pick because it gives you an aggressive 29 mm powerlifting shaft, 210,000 PSI tensile strength, long sleeves, and a 1,500 lb capacity for around $220. The tradeoff is bare steel: it feels great, but it needs maintenance.
Pros:
- Excellent value for the specs
- Aggressive volcano knurl gives strong grip
- Bare steel gives a direct, grippy feel
- 210,000 PSI tensile strength
- 1,500 lb capacity
- Long loadable sleeves
- Less aggressive center knurl is more comfortable for squats
Cons:
- Bare steel requires regular maintenance to prevent rust
- Knurl sharpness can be inconsistent across the bar
- Center knurl may be too mild for some lifters
- Can arrive with surface rust
- Thin competition collars can cause racking issues in wider racks
Brand:
Bells of Steel
Best For:
Powerlifters who want an aggressive, stiff, high-capacity power bar for as little money as possible and do not mind maintaining bare steel.
Skip If:
Skip it if you want a low-maintenance finish, perfectly consistent knurling, or an especially aggressive center knurl.
Research Status:
Research Based
Specifications
| Weight | 20 kg |
|---|---|
| Shaft diameter | 29 mm |
| Tensile strength | 210,000 PSI |
| Weight capacity | 1,500 lb |
| Finish | Bare steel shaft |
| Knurl | Aggressive powerlifting mountain knurl |
Owners Feedback
Pros
- Excellent grip for heavy squats, benches, and deadlifts
- Very stiff powerlifting feel
- Strong value for the specs
- Bare steel gives direct knurl contact
Cons
- Bare steel needs regular rust prevention
- Knurl can be too aggressive for high-volume work
- Powerlifting-specific design is not ideal for Olympic lifts
