What Is the Best Powerlifting Bar? (And Why It Matters More Than You Think)

If you search “best powerlifting bar,” you’ll get a dozen lists.

Different brands.
Different opinions.
Different “top picks.”

But here’s the real question:

What actually makes a bar the best for squat, bench press, and deadlift?

Because powerlifting isn’t CrossFit.
It isn’t Olympic lifting.
And it definitely isn’t general fitness.

It’s three lifts.
Heavy weight.
Maximum stability.
No compromise.

And the bar matters more than most lifters realize.

What Defines a True Powerlifting Bar?

A real powerlifting bar isn’t just “strong steel.” It’s built specifically for:

Squats that demand back grip security
Bench presses that require rigid control
Deadlifts where knurl and stiffness decide PRs

Here’s what separates a real power bar from a multipurpose bar:

1. 29mm Shaft Diameter

A true power bar uses a 29mm shaft.
That extra thickness increases stiffness and reduces whip.

When you're squatting 500+ or pulling heavy from the floor, you don’t want flex.
You want stability.

2. Aggressive Knurling

A powerlifting bar should bite.

Not tear skin unnecessarily — but lock in.

Knurling is what keeps the bar planted on your back during heavy squats and secure in your hands during max deadlifts.

3. Center Knurl

For serious squatting, center knurling isn’t optional.
It keeps the bar from sliding down your back under load.

4. Bushings, Not Bearings

Powerlifting bars use bushings for controlled, slower sleeve rotation.

You don’t need fast spin for squat, bench, or deadlift.
You need consistency.

The Texas Power Bar Standard

The Original Texas Power Bar has been the benchmark for powerlifting bars since 1980.

Built in Texas.
Used in gyms across America.
Trusted under some of the heaviest lifts in strength sports history.

Here’s what sets it apart:

29mm shaft for maximum stiffness
Deep, aggressive knurling that locks in
Precision-machined sleeves with controlled rotation
Made in the USA construction
Decades of proven performance under elite lifters

This isn’t a marketing bar.

It’s a lifting bar.

Why Many “Best Bar” Lists Miss the Real Story

A lot of comparison lists focus on:

Tensile strength numbers
Coating options
Retail availability
Review counts

But elite lifters don’t choose a bar based on spec sheets alone.

They choose based on:

How it feels at 90%+
How it sits in a low-bar squat
How it grips during a max deadlift
How consistent it performs year after year

The best powerlifting bar isn’t the one with the flashiest finish.

It’s the one that shows up every time you step under heavy weight.

Texas Power Bar vs Other Popular Power Bars

Others are solid bars.

But here’s the difference:

The Texas Power Bar wasn’t designed to win a comparison article.

It was built for lifters chasing strength before “garage gym reviews” were even a thing.

There’s a reason it’s been called:

The original American power bar
The standard in hardcore gyms
The bar that doesn’t flinch

And now, with the 29mm generation models, it meets modern spec expectations while preserving the aggressive, no-compromise feel that made it iconic.

Who Is the Texas Power Bar For?

It’s not for everyone.

If you want:

A soft knurl
A flashy coating
A bar that doubles as an Olympic lifting bar
Made in USA

There are other options.

But if you want:

Maximum stiffness
Real knurl bite
A bar that feels planted during 1RM attempts
A product built by lifters, not marketing teams

The Texas Power Bar remains one of the best powerlifting bars you can buy.

Final Verdict: What Is the Best Powerlifting Bar?

The best powerlifting bar is the one that:

Matches true powerlifting specs
Performs under heavy load
Has proven durability
Delivers consistent feel

For over four decades, the Texas Power Bar has done exactly that.

Not because it won a ranking.

Because it earned its place under the heaviest lifts in strength training.

If you’re serious about squat, bench, and deadlift —
you want a bar built for strength, not trends.