“Worth the wait. I've owned my Classic dumbbell set since 07 and regretted not getting the bar years ago. The Elite set has different handles and smaller adder weights (which I purchased separately) The bar is compact and light so the bench press feels a bit heavier at the ends. But overall this bar is awesome.”
“The straight bar is a good addition to the Elite USA 90’s. My fear was how to “load” the bar when mounted in a rack. PB shows putting the bar into the plate sets and locking , then using. Yeah, not so much when the weight is high and you need to lift it to put in a rack holder….
This was my concern when purchasing. It is an unfounded concern. Put the bar in the holder, rotate number plate is VERTICAL, not horizontal as it is normally set into the plates. Load one or two plates at a time and lock in place with the retention clip. Vertical allows the plates to rest on the top (side normally). Repeat the process on the other side. Then continue adding plates and locking into place with the retention clip on each side until you get to your desired weight. No deadlifting needed. Reverse the process after your sets to off-load the bar.
The straight bar is never going to be an Olympic bar. It is a little cramped in width. However, it’s smaller size is amazing to be able to load up to 195lbs for home use and easily store afterwards if space is limited. Weights above that and you will need other options.
For the recreational user, wanting a compact weight set that can be put away, you are not going to find a better option in my opinion.”
“This bar is phenomenal! One knurled end to the other knurled end of bar, is around 30.5 inches. With the weight maxing out at 195LBS there isn't uneven pressure or sore spots to worry about from having a shorter bar. To take workouts further I use a certain pro set of thick handle grips with great results too. I'm sure the photos will be updated soon to reflect it but the Block is now black, which matches perfectly with my set.
To recap the specs for those wanting the most compact gym, the total bar length including the polypropylene pins inserted is right around 52 inches. Overall useable bar to grip length is around 30.5 inches.”
“Purchased the Elite USA Straight Bar to expand options for including my set of Elite USA Dumbells into my routines. I got exactly what I was hoping for. Simple and well constructed design that plays upon the already flawless PowerBlock concept that allows me to have an additional straight bar in my garage gym. Easy weight swap outs during exercises such as rows and deadlifts make this ideal for both efficiency and space when working out in a home gym. Would love to see a PowerStand expansion for my current one to allow me to lift off and stow on the stand, really raising the bar so to speak.”
