- The barbell is manufactured in China by the Double Happiness Sports or DHS company.
- It's relatively inexpensive compared to the roller bearing training barbells produced by it's IWF certified competitors (i.e. Eleiko, Werksan, Uesaka, ZhangKong, etc...)
- The barbell has been a very dependable and has performed well for me in my garage gym environment -- although, I'm sure it would fare well in a commercial gym environment too.
- I'm not crazy about the chipping of the sleeve ends, which I mentioned in the video clip.
- They could have done a more professional job of serializing their bars; instead, of the permanent marker on the end caps.
- Knurling wasn't to my liking but I personally prefer a softer knurl.
Hope you like the video review and until next time... Go Lift Something Really Heavy!
Are you planning on doing a review on an ivanko olympic barbell?
ReplyDelete@ az - I would love to do a review on an Ivanko Stainless Steel Bearing Barbell; however, they cost a FORTUNE -- to the tune of $1100+! Considering the cost, I haven't read any noteworthy reviews of the bar, aside from the fact that it's made of stainless steel and nearly indestructible. With that level of quality, it would not rust or bend, and would definitely last a lifetime. Yet, even with those attributes, I've heard it causes the bar to be overly stiff compared to its competitors (Eleiko, Uesaka, Werk San, etc...). At this point, if you were to spend $1100+ on a bar, I'd stick with either Eleiko or Uesaka.
ReplyDeleteHow is the knurling soft, hard to grip like pendlay bars?
ReplyDelete@ Anonymous - the knurling is softer compared to the Pendlay. However, due to the fact it's chromed, it can become a little slick if you're a sweat hog and not using sufficient chalk.
ReplyDeleteHi Joseph... Thanks for the reply. I had the chance to use the DHS training bar today in L.A. one of the weightlifting club. And after the Nationals I'm getting one. Great bar excellent spin and feel of the bar. To me the knurling felt much better then Pendlay which I have been using for four years. And the center knurl is much softer. Thanks for the reviews on the bars.
ReplyDeleteJoseph...I just got my DHS training barbell and I am not to happy with the quality of the center knurl finish. One side of the center knurl ends straight the other side has uneven Cris-crossed ending. Looks like the cheap Chinese barbell. Is this normal. Does your barbell has the same lack of quality center knurl. I am thinking about returning it or sell it. I this a big deal you think especially for a $500 barbell.
ReplyDeleteThank you for answering.
@ Anonymous - Considering the price ($500), the DHS training bar will not compare in the craftsmanship and quality of an Eleiko or Uesaka. It sounds like you got a bar that was produced on a Friday afternoon. The center knurling should be uniform throughout -- even on the ends. Although, it doesn't affect the performance of the bar, if you're not satisfied with it comestically -- I'd return the bar, exchange it, or sell it. However, if you can overlook this minor flaw the bar should perform well.
ReplyDeleteJoseph....Thank you for your answer. I just wanted to confirm if this is normal. And it seems like it's not. Thanks again.
ReplyDelete