Bells of Steel Multi-Purpose Olympic Barbell – The Utility Bar vs Rogue The Castro Bar

Posted May 12, 2023

If you're in the market for a barbell that you can use for Olympic weightlifting, then you'll want to read our comparison review between the Multi-Purpose Olympic Barbell from Bells of Steel and The Castro Bar from Rogue Fitness.

The Multi-Purpose Olympic Barbell from Bells of Steel is constructed of high-grade, heat treated steel for greater strength and durability. It features a black zinc finish with a polished, bright chrome sleeve and a tensile strength rating of 190,000 PSI, which it claims is the highest strength rating of any bar in the Bells of Steel lineup. It has a collar width of 51.5mm and Olympic bearing sleeves. The bar allows you to perform all Olympic lifts, but is also well-suited for CrossFit, power lifting, and other workouts. The Multi-Purpose Olympic Barbell offers plenty of spin, with precision bearings and a light load rating of 220kgs/485lbs.

The Castro Bar from Rogue Fitness, is a 28.5mm diameter, 20KG multi-application training barbell produced in partnership with the legendary strength coach Charles Staley. It features a 205,000 PSI tensile strength rating, giving it incredible durability and strength. It has dual knurl marks to accommodate powerlifting and Olympic weightlifting and the sleeves are secured with a combination of snap rings and screw pins for secure and accurate sleeve rotation. Additionally, it is surrounded by a bright zinc finish for a touch of style. The Castro Bar also features single-piece construction and friction-welded sleeves, with a maximum load rating of 670kgs/1477lbs.

In terms of performance, the Multi-Purpose Olympic Barbell offers more spin, while The Castro Bar offers more spin and durability. The Multi-Purpose Olympic Barbell has less load rating than the Castro Bar, so it is better suited for lighter lifting and CrossFit, while The Castro Bar, with its max load rating of 670kgs/1477lbs, is better-suited for heavier Olympic weightlifting and powerlifting.

When it comes to price, The Castro Bar is a bit more expensive than the Multi-Purpose Olympic Barbell, but the higher price is justified due to its higher strength rating, better durability, and added features.

Ultimately, the choice between the Multi-Purpose Olympic Barbell and The Castro Bar depends on your needs and budget. If you’re looking for a barbell for lighter exercises and prefer lots of spin, then the Multi-Purpose Olympic Barbell from Bells of Steel might be the better option. But if you’re looking for a barbell for heavier lifting and longer durability, then The Castro Bar from Rogue Fitness might be a better choice.