This version of the 28MM Olympic Weightlifting Bar has been recognized at the highest levels of competition through its IWF certification. In the strength world, IWF approval is like the equivalent of a restaurant getting its Michelin stars, so we’re proud to include a new IWF Cerakote logo on the shaft of the bar, along with additional IWF branding on the endcaps.

Cerakote is a ceramic-based coating commonly trusted by firearm manufacturers for its remarkable durability in thin applications. This unique finish can deliver superb abrasion/wear/corrosion resistance over time—100X that of standard black zinc—with greater versatility in color options. It's utilized here in Black, with the Rogue logo branded on one side of the center knurl (in white) and the IWF logo on the other (in blue). The sleeves still have their original chrome finish.

Our Men’s Oly Bar is made exclusively from high-grade steel, producing a shaft with a minimum tensile strength of 215,000 PSI. Each shaft is ground and polished prior to machining (to ensure a smooth finish), and individually tested and straightened to within 0.015” (0.38mm). The goal is to create just the right amount of “whip” or “flex” needed for competitive Olympic lifting.

Using a process from the worlds of aviation and automotive manufacturing, the sleeves on the Rogue Olympic Weightlifting Bar are friction welded—creating a superior, forged-quality bond. This method is more precise than most joining techniques and helps prevent any changes in the integrity of the sleeve. Combined with 10 sets of top-quality needle bearings, the result is a barbell with a smooth, consistent, quieter spin.

Every Oly Bar is machined in Columbus, Ohio, on new Haas machines that are built in the USA. For the Olympic knurl marks and center knurl, we experimented with several knurling patterns before choosing the full but minimally aggressive texture that top weightlifters responded to best. Rather than relying on visibility alone, each bar is manually tested to ensure the actual “feel” is up to Rogue standards.