Topic: barbells

[vman200]

I am searching for the right barbell for home use.  I was hoping to get some informed opinions as I am considering the following:
*the Hercules training barbell from the DHS company - under $400, but not sure if it is high quality (is it needle bearing, have good flex and good spin, nice knurling, etc?)
*the Pendlay needle bearing bar - right around 5, lifetime warranty
*the DHS training bar - just over 5, DHS seems to be a top quality company
*Zhangkong competition bar - little over 6 with shipping.  I love the knurling (not very deep) on these bars as I have trained on them, but I read of some problems with the sleeves not spinning well.  Maybe this is just rare example though?

Money is an issue and I thought if the Hercules was good enough quality, I could also get some more plates as well.  Thanks in advance.

[Justin Ott]

The pendlay needle bearing bar might be OK but their bushing bar has horrible spin.

[Sean Edinger]

Justin-

Have you personally used a Pendlay bushing bar?  I ask because I was seriously thinking about purchasing one...

[Tom Banister]

I own a Pendlay bushing bearing bar and it's fantastic. Spins as well as any bushing bearing bar and far better than some of the abused/poorly-maintained needle bearing bars I have used. The knurling should be patented, unbelievable sure grip but shallow and "non-pointy".  Glenn stands behind his bars and if there is a problem with one, contact him and he'll take care of you.  My guess is Justin used one abused bar and now assumes they're all bad.

[Sean Edinger]

Tom-

Your reply is more along the lines of what I had expected.  I have trouble believing that Glenn would put his name on a poor product.  I have purchased other things from him before and have always been pleased with both the quality and his forthright nature and service.

[Justin Ott]

I own a Pendlay bushing bearing bar and it's fantastic. Spins as well as any bushing bearing bar and far better than some of the abused/poorly-maintained needle bearing bars I have used. The knurling should be patented, unbelievable sure grip but shallow and "non-pointy".  Glenn stands behind his bars and if there is a problem with one, contact him and he'll take care of you.  My guess is Justin used one abused bar and now assumes they're all bad.

wow that is quite an assumption Tom.

I can tell you I have owned my Pendlay bushing bar for one year and I have been the only one to use it. I also have a Columbia bushing bar that I do not use because the knurling is worn out as the bar is 35 years old, but my Columbia bar has way better spin than my 1 year old pendlay bushing bar. I dont know how you can abuse a barbell unless you consider dropping a barbell on a plywood platform with bumper plates abuse. I also oil the sleeves were the collars connect onto the bar after training because if I did not there would be absolutely no spin. The knurling on the older Pendlay bushing bars are very aggressive as well. I dont know how the Nexgen bars are but hopefully they are better than the last generation.

My impression of Pendlay products is not to highly regarded since I bought a full set of Pendlay colored bumpers and they began warping and cracking immediately. I showed pictures to Glenn and he said he would replace if the plates actually broke. But all in all I would not buy Pendlay again.

[Chadwilliam1]

I have opened up a Pendlay HD bar and lubed it up to create better spin. My club has 3 of them and the other 2 need to be done as well I just have not gotten around to it.

I am with justin on this one. I am not likely to buy anymore Pendlay products.  I do like the new needle bearing bar, but for me I would rather save up for an eleiko training bar.

[Keith Miller]

FYI I saw that Eleiko is having a sale on their barbells.  Rogue Fitness and CSANutrition are both offering this until tomorrow on the competition and training bars.