An imported multi-use barbell that has a quality comparable to the very high-end barbells. While it distances itself from other imported barbells with aesthetic features, build quality and attention to details. The REP Colorado Bar really aims itself at the home gym crowd.

Basic Barbell Specs

• Price: 315 Euro
• Shaft Diameter: 28,5 mm
• Knurling Type: Volcano
• Available Finishes: All Hard Chrome, Black Duracoat Sleeves with Black Cerakote Shaft, Black Duracoat Sleeves with Red Cerakote Sleeves.

Detailed Barbell Specs

Build Quality

I already mentioned this under my review of the REP Double Black Diamond Power Bar. But, REP’s new line of barbells boast several aesthetic touches. Touches aimed at helping REP pull away from the competition in a stacked field of imported barbells. Hence, the REP Colorado Bar features very colorful premium-looking metal end caps and laser edged collars (see pictures below). It is true, that these additions don’t add anything to the functionality of the barbell. But, I still personally appreciate the extra effort and the “wow factor”.

I have only tested the dura-/ceracoated version. Both the Cerakote and Duracoat are very evenly distributed and the knurling pattern is precise without inconsistencies (see pictures above). But, the one detail I appreciate most, is the tight tolerances between the shaft and the sleeves. It makes this barbell really silent compared to all other barbells that I have used or own. This is perfect for a multi-use barbell for a home gym that will be dropped in a small space. I am always hoping that my wife goes for this barbell when she deadlifts. Her Bella Bar 2.0 is so noisy despite the fact that they advertise the 2.0 as being less noisy.

In regards to build quality, you have to know what to expect from the Duracoated Black Sleeves. If you choose this option, you should expect some surface levels scratches over time (see picture below). I have almost only used bumpers on my Colorado Bar during 3 months of regular usage. I never expect any black sleeves to stay completely scratch free. The important thing for me is that the sleeve coating doesn’t chip of. And I have seen no sleeve coatings chip of my barbell.

Performance

I have tested this barbell during regular strength training sets. I have also tested it during technical Olympic weightlifting training. Additionally, I tested it during long and sweaty Crossfit-inspired workouts. And it works excellent for all of the above-mentioned styles of training. So, it excels as a multi-barbell. You can use it as your daily driver for all of your barbell-based training. I try to convince myself that I can feel those extra 0,5 mm on the shaft diameter, when I compare it to my 28 mm weightlifting barbell. Still, it has not affected the weight I’ve been capable of lifting at all (no big surprise).

The Colorado Bar has volcano style knurling. This means that they have cut the pointy tops of each little spike. For a multi-barbell it is important that it provides enough grip for pulling movements (deadlifts, cleans and snatches) without tearing up your hands when you do Olympic lifts (cleans and snatch). Initially, I was surprised how sharp the knurling was. But, I then tested it with two friends during a 40-minute crossfit-style workout with tons of Olympic lifts. None of us tore up our hands. And none of us felt that the knurling was a limiting factor for our grip.

Pricing

At 315 Euro the REP Colorado Bar lands somewhere in the middle compared to other multi-use barbells. It is significantly more expensive than standard imported multi-use bars with Cerakote from companies like Atletica, Sqmize and ATX. But, if you compare it to ATX’s more expensive and comparable multi-use bars, it is only slightly more expensive. Compared to the made-in-USA Rogue Echo Bar 2.0 and Ohio Bar, the REP Colorado Bar is significantly cheaper.

I have yet to test any of the ATX barbells, so I can’t compare noise levels. Still, the REP Colorado bar is the most quiet barbell I have ever used. Rogue has started to sell barbells that are branded as more silent. But those are significantly more expensive than the Colorado Bar.

Conclusion

So what should you do with that information? Many people in the home gym community enjoy implementing different training styles. Hence multi-use barbells are great for home gyms. For an imported barbell that feels as premium as they come, this barbell is well priced. But, if you just need a okay functioning multi-use barbell, you can definitely find something cheaper. You have to decide what matters to you.

Are you just dipping your toes and buying your first barbell for a potential home gym. Then you could do with less. Are you looking for an upgrade from that first budget multi-use barbell. Then is a great contender that you won’t ever need to upgrade again. Are you a no bullshit “weight-is-weight” type of person. Then the premium aesthetic touches and overall build quality might not be worth the extra cost to you. Do you love equipment that brings a smile to your face. Then you should consider this barbell.