Rep Fitness Deep Knurl Power Bar EX

Rep Power Bar EX

The Rep Deep Knurl Power Bar EX is a power bar that is getting a lot of attention, and rightfully so.

I have owned this bar since its release and I can say with confidence that it’s one of, if not my absolute favorite barbells that I’ve ever used.

Make no mistake – this is an aggressive barbell. It’s a quality all-around power bar, but it’s going to especially attract those who are looking for an extra bite.

Here are some further details about the bar:

Knurling

The knurling on this bar does not disappoint… unless you don’t like aggressive knurling. There is nothing left to the imagination once you grip the Power Bar EX. It has an undeniable bite to it, but not so much that it’s painful. It may take some adjusting if you’re not accustomed to an aggressive knurl, but it’s not a cheese grater.

While the knurling has a clear mountainous profile, it effectively removes the sharpness by pitting the tips. Additionally, it has a high points-per-square-inch ratio that helps alleviate some of the sharpness as well.

This bar is ideally suited for heavier attempts, especially on deadlifts and low bar squats. I use the bar frequently, even getting into the 6-8 rep range, but it really shines for heavy singles, doubles, and triples. I don’t use it as often on bench press, but it’s still a strong performer there – I just prefer a less aggressive knurl on bench.

The bar does include a center knurl in the same pattern as the rest of the bar. As you would expect, the bar also includes single powerlifting knurl marks.

Shaft

The Power Bar EX has a 29mm shaft, which is consistent with most other power bars on the market, and which meets various powerlifting fed guidelines. This diameter creates a rigid shaft that’s ideal for the squat, bench, and deadlift. The tensile strength of the shaft is 200k, placing it in the sweet spot of power bar tensile ratings. 

The stainless steel shaft feels fantastic in the hands. The grip on the bar is one of the best I’ve ever experienced – I rarely need chalk when I use the Power Bar EX, even on max attempts. It’s a feeling that you only get with a raw shaft, like stainless steel, bare steel, black oxide, etc…

Sleeves

The sleeves on the Power Bar EX are the best that I’ve ever used. Unlike most barbells, even some that have a stainless shaft, the Rep bar also has stainless sleeves.

Additionally, they’re the quietest sleeves I’ve ever used, no questions asked. The Rep PowerSpeed bar is equally as quiet (same sleeve design). These sleeves are buttery smooth, which is something that will come down to preference to most. I like the smooth because I think they look better and they’re much quieter. Others like a grooved sleeve, which tend to marginally help in keeping plates on the bar better. If you’re using collars, however, then this is a complete non-issue.

Even compared to other smooth-sleeved bars I own, this one is distinctly quieter.

The bar utilizes two graphite-plugged bushings as well as one stainless steel bushing to spin the sleeves. It’s very smooth, slow, and controlled – exactly what you want in a power bar. It also uses two heavy-duty snap rings to keep everything in place, unlike the single snap ring that most other bars use.

Aesthetics

Aesthetically, this bar is beautiful. The stainless shaft along with the stainless sleeves make for a very refined looking bar. It looks much more expensive than the actual price.

The knurling extends all the way to the collar on this bar, which is a nice aesthetic touch even if it doesn’t serve much of a practical purpose.

The end cap is a very simple design with red and white accents over a black background. It’s recessed into the sleeve and it has a nice-looking glossy overlay on top.

Overall, this is a great looking barbell.

Features & Highlights

• Stainless Steel – Stainless steel is excellent at preventing rust and it provides a true raw feel. While it is one of the more expensive options, it is arguably the best one available. Aside from the oxidation resistance and excellent feel, stainless steel also looks fantastic. This bar offers stainless steel on both the shaft and the sleeves.
• Deep Knurl – The knurling on this bar is phenomenal. It’s aggressive and ideally suited for heavy lifts. It’s mountainous pattern bites, but it doesn’t give off that sharp feeling. It’s my favorite knurling, period. 
• Smooth Sleeves – These smooth sleeves are the quietest I’ve encountered and they look great. The sleeves are also finished in stainless steel.
• Strong Warranty – The Power Bar EX comes with a lifetime warranty from Rep Fitness.

What They’re Saying at repfitness.com

The Rep Power Bar EX receives very positive feedback from users. With an average rating of 5/5 at repfitness.com, here are some of the things people have said:

Positive

• “As someone who’s used and owned the best power bars out there, this offering has to be among the best. The knurl is aggressive, the specs are what you’d want in a power bar, and this is completely stainless.”
• “I own 2 power bars and have used many from multiple manufacturers. This is my favorite one. Mainly because of the knurl. Very grippy and feels really good in the hand. The stainless steel shaft and sleeves are very nice. Solid bar”
• “excellent power bar, full stainless steel, so it is going to be very low maintenance, knurl is the aggressive but wont rip your hand up. its the best knurl I felt. I was debating between this and the new full stainless OPB, and I’m extremely happy I choose this bar. it is a great value and it will last forever! this bar is well made. glad I got it on sale but it is still worth it at full price. if you are in the market for a power bar, get this one.”
• “Beats anything I’ve ever trained with by a fair margin. The knurl is perfect, it’s grippy without cutting into skin and adding risk to tearing calluses. I pull hook grip for deadlifts and the knurl is comfortable enough to not required straps for volume sets. Very pleased overall!”
• “Hands down the best bar I’ve ever used. It’s absolutely beautiful, the stainless steel is amazing and the deep knurling gives me a superior grip without tearing up my hands. Perfect addition to my garage gym, I’ll definitely be upgrading my power rack this year.”
• “Not much to say that hasn’t been said already. Stainless steel from end to end. Bombproof build. I mean tolerances so tight there was no perceptible play between bar and collars. Ridiculously good knurl without being absurdly aggressive. Unbelievable knurl density per square inch. However, make sure you like a textured bar because this is not for the mild hearted. It probably will not eat your hands with moderate weight, but under heavy heavy loads, you better know what your doing because it’s not slipping and the only thing I can see giving is your skin if you try to bail. Excellent buy. Safe bet. Lifetime bar.”
• “I cannot speak highly enough about this bar. The knurl is perfect for powerlifting, the bar is nice and stiff, and the entire thing is stainless. What more could you want in a power bar?”
• “This is now the top bar. I’ve owned many bars and think this bar is outstanding. Feel and the full stainless is what I like the most.”

Critical

• None noted

Garage Gym Lab Review

Garage Gym Lab has reviewed this bar. You can read the full review here or check out the synopsis below.

[letsreview postid=”6051″]

The REP Power Bar EX was a winner in the Garage Gym Lab 2022 Best Barbell Awards.

Other Options

The below barbells were picked as alternatives to the Rep Power Bar EX.