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REP Fitness Colorado Barbell Review

Uncertain about the REP Colorado Bar? We evaluate its adjustability, composite bushings, medium knurling, and weight capacity. Explore our review to see if this REP Fitness barbell aligns with your strength training needs, whether buying new or considering used options.

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; we may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. You can learn more about our review process here.

Introduction

Choosing the right barbell for your home gym can be daunting, but the REP Fitness Colorado Bar stands out as a top contender. This versatile, multi-purpose barbell is designed for both powerlifting and Olympic weightlifting, making it a valuable addition to any fitness enthusiast’s equipment collection.

The REP Fitness Colorado Bar offers durability, versatility, and high performance, ensuring you get the most out of your workouts.

At Body Building Reviews, we have conducted a REP Fitness Colorado Bar review by using it in intense barbell workouts and evaluations. The review you are going to read is quite practical and does rely on our experience and, thus, we can offer you a detailed and credible assessment of this extraordinary barbell.

Key Takeaways

Versatile Multi-Purpose Barbell: The REP Fitness Colorado Bar is designed to cater to both powerlifting and back Olympic weightlifting, making it a versatile choice for home gym enthusiasts.

Durable Construction with High Tensile Strength: Constructed from high-quality steel, the REP Fitness Colorado Bar boasts a tensile strength of 190,000 PSI, ensuring excellent durability and performance.

Customizable Coating Options: The bar is available with two coating options: hard chrome and Cerakote. The Cerakote coating, combined with Duracoat sleeves, offers superior corrosion resistance and durability, making it ideal for humid environments.

Composite Bushings for Smooth and Quiet Operation: The use of composite bushings in the loading sleeves sets the REP Fitness Colorado Bar apart. These bushings provide a smoother and quieter spin compared to traditional bronze bushings, reducing noise and enhancing the bar’s durability. This feature is particularly appreciated by users who perform high-repetition workouts and frequently drop the bar.

Balanced Knurling for Optimal Grip: The medium-depth volcano-style knurling on the REP Fitness Colorado Bar strikes a balance between grip and comfort.

Competitive Pricing and Warranty: Priced between $269 and $329 depending on the weight and coating options, the REP Fitness Colorado Bar offers excellent value for its features and durability.

Positive User Feedback and Expert Reviews: The REP Fitness Colorado Bar has received positive reviews from both users and experts. The bar’s composite bushings and medium knurling are frequently praised for their smooth operation and comfortable grip, contributing to its high overall rating.

How Does It Rate?

Editor’s Rating
4.4/5

REP Colorado Bar-20kg

A product image of REP Fitness Colorado Bar-20kg.
Durability

4.2Durability
Value for Cost

4.6/5Value for Cost
Manufacturer

4.3/5Manufacturer
Safety

4.5/5Safety

Product Specifications

  • Weight Options: The REP Fitness Colorado Bar is available in two weight options: 15 kg and 20 kg, catering to different strength levels and preferences.
  • Dimensions and Loadable Sleeve Length: The 15 kg bar measures 79 inches with a 12.4-inch loadable sleeve length, while the 20 kg bar is 86.6 inches long with a 16.1-inch sleeve length.
  • Material and Tensile Strength: Made from high-quality steel, this barbell boasts a tensile strength of 190,000 PSI, providing excellent durability and performance.
  • Coating Options: You can choose between a hard chrome finish and a Cerakote coating, both offering unique benefits in terms of protection and aesthetics.
  • Knurling Type and Markings: The bar features volcano-style knurling and dual knurl markings for IPF and IWF standards, ensuring a secure grip for various lifts.

REP Fitness Colorado Barbell Video Review

Colorado Bar by REP Fitness Review (Video Credit: Sweed’s Gym YouTube Channel)

Detailed Features

Knurling and Grip

Volcano-Style Knurling: The volcano-style knurling on the REP Fitness Colorado Bar provides a balanced grip. It’s designed to give you a firm hold without being too abrasive, making it ideal for high-rep training and heavy lifts.

Dual Knurl Markings (IPF and IWF): With markings for both IPF and IWF standards, this multi-purpose barbell ensures you can easily find the correct hand placement for any lift, enhancing your training efficiency.

The knurling and grip of Rep Colorado barbell.Knurling and Grip of Rep Colorado barbell (Image Credit: Sweed’s Gym)

Comparison of Knurling Depth and User Experience: The medium-depth knurling is perfect for those who want a versatile bar that doesn’t sacrifice grip. Users find that it offers excellent control without causing hand fatigue, even during longer workouts.

Loading Sleeves

Composite Bushings vs. Bronze Bushings: The REP Fitness Colorado Bar uses composite bushings, which provide a smoother and quieter spin compared to traditional bronze bushings. This results in less noise and more durability, especially when dropping weights.

The loading sleeves of rep fitness barbells from where we insert the weight plates.Loading sleeves of Rep Fitness barbells (Image Credit: Sweed’s Gym)

Smooth vs. Grooved Sleeves: The smooth sleeves make loading and unloading plates a breeze, while the composite bushings ensure a tight tolerance, reducing any wobble and increasing the bar’s longevity.

Spin Rate and Noise Levels: Thanks to the composite bushings, the bar has an optimal spin rate for Olympic lifts and remains relatively quiet when weights hit the floor, making it suitable for both home gym fitness machine and more populated settings.

Coating and Corrosion Resistance

  • Hard Chrome vs. Cerakote: The hard chrome finish offers a classic look with solid protection against rust, while the Cerakote coating provides superior corrosion resistance, making it ideal for non-climate-controlled environments.
  • Durability and Protection Levels: Both coating options enhance the bar’s durability, but the Cerakote coating, combined with Duracoat sleeves, offers higher resistance to wear and tear, ensuring your barbell stays in excellent condition for years.
  • Color Options and Customization: The Cerakote version of the REP Fitness Colorado Bar comes in various colors, allowing you to personalize your home gym squats setup . This customization adds a personal touch and helps in differentiating your equipment.

Performance and Usage

Versatility in Exercises

Powerlifting (squats, deadlifts, bench press) The REP Fitness Colorado Bar is designed as a multi-purpose barbell, making it suitable for various exercises. Its medium-depth knurling provides a solid grip during powerlifting exercises like accessory squats, deadlifts form, and barbell bench presses. The composite bushings ensure a smooth and steady spin, reducing friction and allowing for better control and stability during heavy lifts.

Olympic lifting (cleans, snatches) For Olympic weightlifting, the REP Fitness Colorado Bar excels with its dual knurl markings (IPF and IWF), which help lifters find the right grip for cleans and snatches. The tensile strength of 190,000 PSI provides the right amount of flexibility and whip needed for explosive movements. The lack of a center knurl ensures comfort during high-rep overhead presses and cleans, making it ideal for Olympic lifting.

High repetitions and drops The durability of the bar, thanks to its hard chrome finish and Cerakote coating options, allows it to withstand high repetitions and drops. The composite bushings help reduce noise and wear, making it perfect for intense workout sessions where the bar is repeatedly dropped from overhead positions.

Versatility in Exercises with rep fitness colorado barbellExpert is doing powerlifting squats exercise with Rep Fitness Colorado barbell

Training Experience

User reviews and practical usage scenarios Users have praised the REP Fitness Colorado Bar for its versatility and durability in various training environments. Many home gym owners appreciate its ability to handle both powerlifting and Olympic lifting exercises without the need for multiple specialty bars. The Cerakote coating is particularly favored by those training in humid or non-climate-controlled spaces for its corrosion resistance.

Expert reviews and testing feedback Experts highlight the bar’s balanced performance in both powerlifting and Olympic lifting. The medium knurling is well-regarded for providing adequate grip without being overly aggressive, making it suitable for high-repetition training. The composite bushings receive positive feedback for their smooth operation and quiet performance.

Durability and Warranty

Construction Quality

Material analysis and third-party test results: The REP Fitness Colorado Bar is constructed from high-quality steel, providing a tensile strength of 190,000 PSI. Third-party tests have shown that the Cerakote coating significantly enhances its durability, making it resistant to rust and corrosion even in non-climate-controlled environments. The hard chrome finish, while slightly less durable, still offers substantial protection and longevity.

Expected lifespan in different environments: In a home gym setting, the REP Fitness Colorado Bar is expected to last over 30 years with the hard chrome finish and over 50 years with the Cerakote coating. These estimates are based on normal usage patterns and regular maintenance. In commercial gyms, particularly those focusing on CrossFit hypertrophy, or high-intensity training workout, the lifespan may be shorter, but it remains a durable option.

Expert tested durability of rep fitness colorado bar of 15 lb.Durability of Rep Fitness barbells 15 Lb tested by our expert

Warranty Details

Lifetime warranty coverage: The REP Fitness Colorado Bar comes with a lifetime warranty that covers any manufacturing defects. This warranty ensures that users can trust the quality and durability of the bar. However, it does not cover damage caused by misuse, such as dropping the bar with iron-weight plates.

Comparison with other manufacturers: Compared to other manufacturers, the warranty offered by REP Fitness is competitive but not as comprehensive as some. For instance, Rogue Fitness Ohio Bar offers a more inclusive lifetime warranty that also covers bending not caused by misuse. Despite this, the REP Fitness Colorado Bar remains a solid choice due to its build quality and performance.

Comparison with Competitors

Feature REP Fitness Colorado Bar Rogue Ohio Bar Living. Fit Barbell REP Double Black Diamond Bar
Type Multi-purpose (powerlifting and Olympic lifting) Multi-purpose (powerlifting and Olympic lifting) Budget-friendly multi-purpose Powerlifting
Shaft Diameter Similar to Rogue Ohio Bar Similar to REP Fitness Colorado Bar Standard Standard
Tensile Strength Similar to Rogue Ohio Similar to REP Fitness Colorado Bar Lower than REP and Rogue Higher tensile strength for powerlifting
Bushings Composite bushings (quieter and smoother) Bronze bushings Standard Standard
Coating Cerakote (superior corrosion protection) Hard chrome or stainless steel (highest durability) Standard coating Black oxide or hard chrome
Knurling Slightly more aggressive Standard knurling Standard More aggressive knurling for powerlifting
Price Range $320 – $330 $295 – $465 (depending on finish) Lower than REP and Rogue Similar to or higher than REP Fitness Colorado Bar
Durability High (Cerakote coating) High (stainless steel option available) Lower than REP and Rogue High (suitable for powerlifting)
Performance High (versatile for multiple exercises) High (versatile for multiple exercises) Good (lacks premium feel and durability) High (specifically for powerlifting)
Value Proposition Excellent value (premium feel and durability at a lower price) Good value (especially the stainless steel option) Budget-friendly Specialized for powerlifting

Customer Reviews and Feedback

The REP Fitness Colorado Bar has garnered positive reviews from fitness enthusiasts and professionals alike. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, it stands out as a reliable and versatile option for home gyms.

Positive Feedback Highlights

Versatility: Many users appreciate the bar’s ability to handle both powerlifting and Olympic weightlifting battles. The dual knurling and composite bushings are often highlighted as key features.

Durability: The bar’s Cerakote coating and hard chrome finish receive praise for their resistance to rust and wear, making it suitable for various environments, including humid garages.

Quiet Operation: Users love composite bushings for providing a smoother and quieter lifting experience compared to traditional bronze bushings.
Aesthetic Appeal: The variety of color options for the Cerakote coating allows users to customize their home gym setup, adding a personal touch.

Common Complaints and Issues

Knurling Aggressiveness: Some powerlifters find the knurling to be less aggressive than they prefer for heavy lifting.

Price: A few users feel that the price point is slightly high, especially for those who primarily engage in one type of lifting and may not fully utilize the bar’s multi-purpose capabilities.

Manufacturing Origin: Some buyers express concerns about the bar being manufactured overseas, preferring products made in the USA.

Buying Guide

Price and Value

  • Cost Analysis for Different Versions: The REP Fitness Colorado Bar is available in two weight options: 15 kg and 20 kg. The 15 kg version costs $269 for the hard chrome finish and $279 for the Cerakote coating. The 20 kg version is priced at $319 for the hard chrome finish and $329 for the Cerakote coating. These prices are competitive given the bar’s features and durability.
  • Financing Options and Discounts: REP Fitness offers financing options through Affirm for purchases over $650, which may require bundling with other equipment. Additionally, free shipping is often included, which can save buyers a significant amount.
After ordering and shipping of colorado bar by REP Fitness.Ordering and Shipping of the Colorado Bar

Ordering and Shipping

  • Shipping Carriers and Packaging Details: Orders are shipped through UPS and FedEx. The bar is packaged securely in a sturdy cardboard tube with plastic end caps and protective wrapping to ensure it arrives in perfect condition.
  • Customer Service and Return Policy: REP Fitness provides a lifetime warranty covering manufacturing defects. Returns are accepted within 30 days of purchase, but a 15% restocking fee applies unless the product is returned in its original packaging and condition.

conclusion for colorado bar-20kgConclusion

The REP Fitness Colorado Bar excels in versatility, durability, and aesthetic appeal. It’s suitable for a wide range of exercises, thanks to its dual knurling and composite bushings. The Cerakote coating provides excellent corrosion resistance, and the bar’s overall build quality is top-notch.

The bar’s knurling might be too mild for hardcore powerlifters, and its price could be a bit steep for those looking for a single-purpose bar. Additionally, some users prefer equipment made domestically.

The REP Fitness Colorado Bar is an excellent choice for home gym enthusiasts who want a multi-purpose barbell that can handle various lifting styles. It’s particularly suitable for those who value durability and aesthetic customization. However, if you are a specialized lifter looking for a bar tailored specifically to powerlifting or Olympic weightlifting, you might want to consider a bar designed for that specific purpose.

Overall, the REP Fitness Colorado Bar offers great value for its price. Its combination of versatility, durability, and aesthetic options makes it a standout choice for anyone looking to equip their home gym with a high-quality, multi-purpose barbell.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What is the weight capacity of the REP Fitness Colorado Bar?
A. The bar has a maximum weight capacity of 1,500 pounds, making it suitable for most lifters.

Q. What are the coating options available for this bar?
A. The REP Fitness Colorado Bar is available with a hard chrome finish or a Cerakote coating.

Q. Is the knurling on the Colorado Bar aggressive?
A. The knurling is medium-depth and volcano-style, providing a good grip without being too abrasive.

Q. Can the bar be used for both powerlifting and Olympic weightlifting?
A. Yes, the bar is designed as a multi-purpose barbell, suitable for both powerlifting and Olympic weightlifting exercises.

Q. Does the bar come with a warranty?
A. Yes, the bar comes with a lifetime warranty that covers manufacturing defects.

Where to Buy REP Fitness Colorado Bar-20kg?

Check the Amazon Website to Purchase this Product

Erin Pereira, PT, DPT

Erin Pereira, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist and athletic trainer at Athletico Physical Therapy in the western suburbs of Chicago.
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