REP set out to create one of the ultimate power bars with the REP Double Black Diamond Power Bar. And I think they succeeded while keeping it well-priced. Now, we just need more finishing options in Europe.

Basic Specs

• Price: 299 €
• Shaft Diameter: 29 mm
• Knurling Type: Mountain
• Finishes: All Black Duracoat or Stainless Steel

Detailed Specs

Build Quality

The new line of REP bars boasts refined touches. This barbell is no exception with its laser-edged markings into the collars and premium-looking metal end caps. These pure aesthetic add ons certainly don’t matter to everyone. But for me, they would be a deciding factor. If I had to decide between two similarly priced and similarly functioning barbells, these aesthetic features would influence my choice.

The above-mentioned features also speak to the general finish of this barbell. It definitely feels like a premium barbell in use with its tight tolerances, precise knurling pattern and uniform Duracoat finish. But, I have only tested the Duracoated version. So I can’t truly comment on the stainless steel version. However, it would really surprise me if it differed in build quality.

The barbell only comes in two finishes in Europe. All black Duracoat or all stainless steel. In North American the shaft comes in an additional 3 colors as well as stainless/hard chromed. Hence, the green shafted version that I’ve been testing is not currently available in Europe. In regards to the Duracoat, I always expect black sleeves to scratch over time. Yet, after two months, mine has only acquired minor marks despite regular usage – sometimes with rough cast iron plates. This speaks well for their durability, even if I don’t expect them to stay pristine forever.

Performance

For me, two things instantly come to mind when talking about the performance of this barbell. Its knurling and its tolerances. REP says that they have spent a lot of time perfecting the knurling on this bar. And in my opinion, it shows. I think it does exactly what knurling is supposed to – provide a secure grip without unnecessarily destroying your hands. You won’t be crying more than usual after heavy deadlifts. Also, the center knurl does not differ from the remaining knurling.

The tolerances on both this barbell and the Colorado bar are excellent. The first time I put this bar back down, I was genuinely surprised. They both make significantly less noise than my Thor Fitness barbell (pretty quiet bar) and a lot less noise than my wife’s Rogue Bella bar (super noisy bar). This is a feature that I have really started to appreciate in my 30 m² home gym. Due to the difference in noise, I have tried to convince my wife to use the REP Colorado bar instead of her Bella bar on several occasions when she deadlifts.

The bronze bushing provide enough rotation for your traditional powerlifting exercises (bench, deadlift, squat). And although, I have not tried the knurling on the stainless steel version. I would normally expect it to be slightly more aggressive than any coated barbell. Yet, REP states that knurling is essentially identical between the two finish options.

Pricing

The REP Double Black Diamond Power Bar costs ~299 € with small variations between countries. It is well priced compared to other high-end imported power bars. Examples include the Strength Shop Bastard Bar (349 €) and the ATX RAM Bar (399 €). The Rogue Ohio Power Bar is also an obvious made-in-USA competitor that starts at 368 €.

Conclusion

You won’t be disappointed by this barbell, unless you were expecting an ultra-aggressive bar. Or unless you assumed that the duracoated sleeves would stay 100% scratch-free forever. Overall, the REP Double Black Diamond bar is a well-priced and meticulously crafted bar that functions perfectly. And don’t fear the name. The knurling won’t claim your hands in return for grip.

Unless you can’t stand the possibility of scratches or you just love stainless steel, I would recommend the Duracoated version. The knurling feels excellent despite the coating. For this reason, I can’t see why I would spent >100 € more for the stainless steel version.

My only real critique would be that I’m missing finish options here in Europe. I would love the option to choose hardened chrome sleeves. And I think many would prefer more color options here as well. But REP Europe has promised to expand their catalog significantly in 2025. So perhaps we will see more variety in finish options soon.