I gave this product two stars because it arrived intact and on time. I removed three stars because the product does not perform well. The sleeves do not spin freely. They stick, grind, and even make an audible squeak as they “spin” under load. When the sleeves rotate, the bar rotation is influence by them. For example, when performing a clean, as you catch the bar in the front squat position the plates rotate from the pull. In a normal bar the plates and sleeves would rotate independently from the bar and you would not feel the bar rotate at all in your hands due to the sleeve rotation. This bar rotates with the plates and sleeves due to the drag, which causes the barbell to roll up onto your neck in the front squat and rack position. This is especially dangerous when the weights get heavy. This rotational “follow through” is similar with the snatch, as well. Again, very dangerous. I voiced my concerns to customer support and was told to drop heavier weights overhead and the sleeves will break in. I was also told I could lubricate the bushings. Already too much work to be done on a brand-new bar, but I did as was suggested to no avail. Two months later and the bar has not improved. I’ve continued to reach out (even sending in videos of the problems) because I wanted to give Vulcan a chance to remedy the situation, but it is clear they aren’t concerned with the performance of their product. They have said that unless the sleeves stop spinning, fall off, or the bar bends they aren’t responsible for poor performance. I’m disappointed in the product to say the least, but more so in the support. I’ve purchased many barbells, and none have been this bad. In the last email exchange, I was told the sleeves either spin or they do not spin at all. This is the dumbest statement I’ve ever heard. Which sort of sums up my experience with this company’s customer support. Please save your money and purchase a barbell from a more reputable company who will stands by their product(s).