Reddit reviews CAP Barbell “The Boss” Power Squat Olympic Bar | For Weightlifting

An unintended beauty I found with building a home gym is that because of budget restraints for most of us, you're often forced to boil down your routine into the basics early on. To me that's a wonderful thing. I've been a far more productive lifter focusing on more basic lifts and forgetting about all the ancillary isolation exercises. Granted, your lifting routine doesn't seem to get cute with the iso work. So I guess my point is, get what you need for the big lifts now. You can figure out alternatives to your complimentary lifts with what you have. For example, using different pull up grips, or using inexpensive bands as support in your pullups if you need to go high reps (in place of lat pulldowns) are possibilities.

In time, you'll get pieces here and there to add further variety. Many of these gyms you see here have evolved over time. Be patient, you'll be accumulating complimentary pieces in no time.

My advice is to put money in:

• a decent rack that has a lot of supporting accessories (Titan is a good brand for this)
  
  
• a sturdy bench (I like my Rep Fitness adjustable bench)
  
  
• some horse stall mats - I personally think a platform may not be necessary unless you're doing olympic lifts, and dropping from up high. I've deadlifted 500+ on 3/4" horse stall mats alone, with no damage to the concrete beneath.
  
  
• Dick's runs great deals for 300 lbs olympic weight sets (I've seen as low as $179). The bars that come with this are crap, but could last you 6 months if you're not going to heavy or beating on it until you get a good bar. Some people have been able to flip the bar immediately for money on Letgo or Craigslist.
  
  
• Solid barbell... look for deals, I got this one for $80 after some weird instant rebate on Amazon last July. It was posted in this forum. There's plenty of good barbells out there, just a little research should land you a decent one.
  
• Landmine - Best bang for the buck in my gym. I got one like this for ~$23 around the holidays. You can add a ton of variety to your workout. Just google 'landmine exercises'. You can put that cheap bar that came with the Dicks' set in there.

The women's bars are often 15kg instead of 20kg (so about 35#), and have a thinner bar diameter. Whether there's any reason for you to want one I can't say, I don't have one and probably wouldn't get one but that's just me. There was a big thread about women's bars about a week ago so you might check that out. [Link] (https://www.reddit.com/r/xxfitness/comments/6the4a/what_a_difference_a_womens_bar_makes/)

I personally chose this [CAP barbell] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006R4EOXM?ref=emc_b_5_t) for my home gym. I would have liked to get a nice Rogue bar but it was out of my price range and also my gym is on a back porch so theoretically it would be easy (although time-consuming) for someone to steal all of it. The one I linked is the center knurl version, they also have them without that so if you go with the CAP ones from Amazon be careful which one you get! The link should have a chart of all the CAP barbells so you can compare them.

It's not the nicest bar I've ever used, nor the worst, but for the price I have no complaints. I managed to find a second (crappier) bar on Craigslist, and we use that one for deadlifts.

We only got a single pair of 45lb bumpers and some 10s, because we have a set of regular iron Olympic plates so we can get up to the 200s just with all that, and so that is plenty for our purposes. I can't remember where we got the 45s from in the end. :(

ETA: Now I remember, we got the "one fit wonder" 45 bumper pair from fringesport. I don't remember why I got those particular ones (probably felt they were the most decent value for the $$ at the time), but I have no complaints about them and they are rather attractive.

Perhaps the most affordable option is the CAP barbell OB-86PBCK, at less than $200.

What he meant to say was the CAP OB-86PBCK when it is on sale (often around $120) from either Amazon or Walmart.

That DOES have center knurling and is a VERY solid value (1500lb capacity, alright knurling and finish). SOURCE: Search this sub and I own it.

CAP OB86PBCK

https://www.amazon.com/Barbell-OB-86PBCK-Weight-Lifting-Olympic/dp/B006R4EOXM/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1518889536&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=cap+ob+86ck

Just FYI: olympic bars are 7 ft bars, not 8 ft.

I bought this a few years ago and it's comparable to a Texas powerbar imho.


Cap Barbell Weight Lifting 2-Inch Solid Power Squat Olympic Bar https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006R4EOXM/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_YdCPwbSGM7T2F

Try oiling the sleeves and see if that does anything.

As for the bar...

1. I've used one of those cheap bars with the bolt at the end. Not good. Especially when you have re tighten them from time to time and hope the sleeve doesn't fall off.
   
   
   
2. Waste of money if you're gonna dare to Sn or CJ with it. Passable to do strength lifts on.
   
   
   
3. No, don't buy it.
   
   
   This seems to be the best option I could find on Amazon. I've never heard of them, who knows about the quality control and how long it will last but reviews seem ok. Only about 30$ more than your prior selection.
   
   
   https://www.amazon.com/Bonnlo-Barbell-Weightlifting-Capacity-Rotating/dp/B07BXHF8H6/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=weightlifting+barbell&qid=1574724081&sr=8-8
   
   
   https://www.amazon.com/CAP-Barbell-Olympic-Weightlifting-Renewed/dp/B07RH732VH/ref=sr_1_90?dchild=1&keywords=weightlifting+barbell&qid=1574724518&sr=8-90
   
   https://www.amazon.com/CAP-Barbell-Power-Olympic-Weightlifting/dp/B006R4EOXM/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=weightlifting+barbell&qid=1574724081&sr=8-5
   
   We used to use CAP barbells as our general purpose barbells. No idea what model but it wasn't uncommon for them to get bent over time or spin poorly.
   
   ​
   
   https://www.amazon.com/Training-Equipment-Olympic-Barbell-Crossfit/dp/B07NZ7T1VJ/ref=sr_1_59?dchild=1&keywords=weightlifting%2Bbarbell&qid=1574724518&sr=8-59&th=1
   
   probably the next step up but you could just pony up another 50$ and get something from Fringesport with excellent customer service and a return policy. They bought out AgainFaster a few years ago which was pretty popular in the CF community.
   
   https://www.amazon.com/XMark-Lumberjack-Manganese-Phosphate-Powerlifting/dp/B01NBTGVNI/ref=sr_1_29?dchild=1&keywords=weightlifting%2Bbarbell&qid=1574724081&sr=8-29&th=1
   
   https://www.amazon.com/XMark-Crowbar-Olympic-Weightlifting-Powerlifting/dp/B07T6C2ZWL/ref=sr_1_12?dchild=1&keywords=weightlifting+barbell&qid=1574724081&sr=8-12
   
   
   Never heard of XMark. They have plenty of reviews though.

what's your budget?

what lifts are you primarily using this for?

if your budget is lacking I would recommend this as a great all around budget bar:

http://www.amazon.com/Barbell-Weight-Lifting-2-Inch-Olympic/dp/B006R4EOXM/ref=sr_1_22?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1417712072&sr=1-22&keywords=cap+olympic+bar#customerReviews

It's like the CAP OB86B which is very well regarded for the money except has a center knurl which is very useful on squats. the knurl on it is grippy but not so course that it will rip your hands up like a texas power bar and is half the price. I love the texas power bar but prefer deadlifting with that actually.

Get the one with center knurl if you're powerlifting. It's a little more but the CK is worth it especially for back squats.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006R4EOXM/ref=emc_b_5_t

This is the barbell I have [it's black like you prefer] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B006R4EOXM/ref=s9_mbia_gw_d28_g200_i3?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=mobile-1&pf_rd_r=18JQG9D149R5SSAYHWH7&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=2015187942&pf_rd_i=mobile) but right now it's priced as high as your rack. I got it when it was around $150.

And there's this one with centre knurling for a similar price.

This is my main barbell. It doesn't have the knurling in the center, but it still works for me. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001K4OPY2/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This one showed up on SlickDeals the other day for just over $100. It's much higher in price now, but it may come back down. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006R4EOXM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?tag=slickappfp-20&ascsubtag=804135fa590311e7b4ca324be198f5910INT&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

For mobility take a look at Got ROM and Alan Thralls YouTube channels.

Farmers bars are great for grip strength. My shoulders were consistently giving my troubles and I tried a ton of different things. One thing that appears to have helped me big time is to strictly use an overhand grip when deadlifting. So I continue up with deadlifting weight until I cannot hold it anymore. Right now I'm at a 2-3 reps with 290. Then move over to straps. The hook grip is also an option.

Non-mobile: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006R4EOXM/ref=s9_mbia_gw_d28_g200_i3?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=mobile-1&pf_rd_r=18JQG9D149R5SSAYHWH7&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=2015187942&pf_rd_i=mobile

^That's ^why ^I'm ^here, ^I ^don't ^judge ^you. ^PM ^/u/xl0 ^if ^I'm ^causing ^any ^trouble. ^WUT?

I am a big fan of the Ohio Power bar, and I went ahead and picked up one from the USA. you're right, its $$$$ but IMO worth the money.

if you are looking for a cheaper "Canadian" alternative you could try this bar http://www.strongarmsport.com/product-p/bar-bos.htm it's from Bells of Steel and has great reviews. This is their last gen bar, but reviews are saying its better than their "new and improved" version. its comes in at $370 shipping and taxes inc. the Rogue bar comes in at $390 shipped so its a no brainer to go with the OPB.

the only other option I found to be cheaper was the Cap Power Bar from Amazon (Free ship with Prime) https://www.amazon.ca/Cap-Barbell-Weight-Lifting-Olympic/dp/B006R4EOXM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1520517760&sr=8-1&keywords=ob86pbck

currently at $193 ($218 taxes in and free ship) is your cheapest option for a decently reviewed power bar. http://capbarbell.com/1500lb-solid-power-squat-bar-with-central-knurling/

Since I last posted this, I ended up building a squat and bench press, bench, spotting stations, and parallete bars. My bar is on its way. Should arrive in the next few days.

http://i.imgur.com/f36V1nl.jpg

I started with about the same budget as you. This is what I did (minus the flooring because I'm in the garage and just threw down mats).

http://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/rubber-mat-black-4-ft-x-6-ft?cm_vc=-10005 6 horse stall mats - 35 bucks a piece. $220

http://www.titan.fitness/short-power-rack.html - Titan short rack, because of the clearance thing. I wish I would have gotten the taller one so I could OHP in it, but it's not a big deal. $269

http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/body-power-deluxe-multifunctional-power-tower?repChildCatid=3077414 Power tower, on sale still. $129

http://www.ironmaster.com/products/quick-lock-dumbbell-system-75 - Ironmaster dumbbells - best purchase ever. $499

Found 205lbs of rogue bumper plates, and a flat bench on craiglist for $300 Had another 175lbs of bumper plates previously. If you don't want bumper plates you can find metal plates for much cheaper on craigslist.

That had me at about $1600 after taxes. I also got a Xebex rower/decline bench/med ball from GetRXd on a special for $800 but that was bought because it was a great deal. Awesome rower btw.

If you want a good incline bench instead of flat, go with the ironmaster one. It's $299 I believe and very solid. Ironmaster dumbbells are way, way better than the Bowflex ones. They're solid metal. I toss them around and they're fine. They also don't rattle.

I also got the Cap bar from amazon for $160. Awesome 1000lb rated bar. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006R4EOXM/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_2?pf_rd_p=1944687562&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B001K4OPY2&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=044DMW43KCXP3YXFA73M

This is the basics of my current set up. I recommend all these products.

Titan T-3 squat stand with dip bars and spotter arms
http://www.titan.fitness/squat-rack.html

Titan plate storage
http://www.titan.fitness/2-olympic-weight-plate-rack-tree-barbell-holder-organizer-stand.html

I bought my bumpers off craigslist but Titan has theres out now at a reasonable price.
I use 6x45lbs, 2x25lbs, 2x10lbs

Cap 2x45lbs 2x5lbs 2x2.5lbs iron plates
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000ATDSQ/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Cap OB-86PBck Barbell
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006R4EOXM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Valor Fitness DA-6 Flat Bench
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002ME0JGW/ref=ox_sc_act_title_5?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

I have this cap "the boss" bar. Its great for the price. Knurl is not too aggressive

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https://www.amazon.com/CAP-Barbell-OB-86PBCK-Lifting-Olympic/dp/B006R4EOXM/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1538601390&sr=1-1&keywords=OB-86PBCK

It's on sale again for $109.88 at Amazon and Walmart.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006R4EOXM

I've purchased both of these ~ $90 that can take those numbers. I've caught them on sale at different times. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001K4OPY2/ref=emc_b_5_t

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006R4EOXM/ref=emc_b_5_t This handles <500 on dead lifts & rack pulls & still going strong. I like cap barbells. They work for my needs. Rogue bars are nice but I can't afford them.