Best For Powerlifting: IPF 29mm 20kg ATE Stainless Steel Bar
Last Updated December 5, 2023
In this blog, I'll delve into how ATE stainless steel bar stacks against other barbells best for powerlifting in India, and whether it justifies its price tag.🏷️
Hey there, I’m Rishabh from Mensquats.com which just so happens to be the most trusted review site in India.
💥 Well, okay, maybe there’s a little bias since I run it, but let’s get down to business and talk about the Powerlifting barbell in India, I Like The Most: ATE Stainless Steel Barbell. 🇮🇳
ATE (Anand Track & Field Equipment) is making a move towards producing high-end equipment to compete with industry giants like Bullrock Fitness, Siege Fitness, Yoddha Fitness, and Leeway Fitness.
This bar is a significant step in that direction.
One notable difference is that other BRANDS💯 now import most of their equipment, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as many countries, including China and Germany, do produce high-quality equipment.
But, ATE manufactures all their equipment and delivers 100% Made in India products.
Patriotism aside, this barbell stands out because it’s stainless steel that offers exceptional resistance to corrosion, which can be a concern in a home gym like mine.😊
✔️ So let’s talk about it.
ATE Stainless Steel Bar – Experience True Powerlifting Bar
- Rust can be a common issue for many weightlifters, particularly when using barbells with hard chrome finishes. Therefore, ATE offers a Stainless Steel bar that eliminates the necessity for constant upkeep.
- SAVE EXTRA using my referral code: “MENSQUATS” and get an extra 5% off on your purchase.
🎥 Watch the YouTube review:
Specifications:
| Bar Type | Olympic bar |
| Bar Weight | 20 kg |
| Shaft Diameter | 29 mm |
| Knurl Type | 1.5 mm volcano knurl |
| Center Knurl | Yes |
| Whip | Low |
| Bar Length | 2200 mm |
| Loadable Sleeve Length | 415 mm |
| Shaft Coating | No coating (Stainless steel) |
| Sleeve Coating | Hard chrome coat |
| Bearing/ Bushing | 6 self lubricating bronze bushings |
| Tensile Strength | 205,000 PSI |
| Max Load | 6 self-lubricating bronze bushings |
Is A Stainless Steel Bar Worth It?
More than half of the population believes that the extra cost is justifiable for a stainless steel option.
For instance, with the ATE Powerlifting Bar,
- The hard chrome version is priced at Rs 17,000 + GST & Shipping
- While the ATE stainless steel barbell option at Rs 22,000 + GST & shipping.
Yes, it’s quite a significant difference of Rs 5,000. 🤩
Has stainless steel become more expensive compared to other coatings?
🔥 It seems so, which is a bit absurd.
Personally, I have received a bar with a stainless steel shaft & hard chrome finish on the sleeves. If given the chance, I’d choose fully stainless steel but they make half-stainless steel bars so they can Cost-cut.
The main struggle with a home gym is the Maintenance aspect.
After everyone is done for the day, I find myself oiling and cleaning the bar, which, yes, includes the shaft. It’s not necessary, but it’s quite a task to maintain.
If I could afford it, I’d go for full stainless steel every time.
But you’re right, the cost is quite high 💰
✔️ Being in a home gym, the stainless steel barbell does look great, and it’s almost like a LUXURY item.
But bare steel barbells which cost hardly Rs 9,000 work perfectly fine down here. I still need to lube up my shaft and do some scrubbing, but it’s manageable.
However, stainless steel does have that EXTRA appeal.💥
It’s true that stainless steel can still accumulate rust and needs maintenance if treated badly an left in the open. I made a barbell maintenance video that’s a bit on the inappropriate side, and it does show how these things can deteriorate if not taken care of. ❌
It’s a different story when someone else is borrowing your equipment and doesn’t show the same level of CARE.
Where do we need stainless steel barbells?
Living in North India, the environment can be harsh, and maintaining barbells becomes a challenge. The West isn't much different, with harsh and humid summers.
Bare steel barbells tend to rust quickly.
Coated bars, while they do protect against rust, sometimes lack the authentic feel of bare steel.
This leads me to believe that the extra investment in stainless steel is worth it, especially if I’m considering a bar for my gym for the rest of my life.
👉 So, stainless steel or not? It ultimately depends on your preferences and how much you’re willing to invest for a premium barbell experience.
Overview: IPF 29mm 20kg ATE Stainless Steel Power Bar in India
Now, let’s talk about the specifics of this bar.
It seems like ATE (Anand Track & Field Equipments) combined the best of both worlds, merging elements from the Bullrock Stainless steel Bar and the Siege fitness power bar – Knurling, all while keeping the price reasonable. 💰
1. Knurling:
The knurling on this bar is finer than what you’d find on a Siege Fitness Power Bar, which is already renowned for its knurling quality.
ATE used what’s called a ‘volcano’ type of knurling, which provides more contact area for your hand.
✔️ In terms of feel, it’s quite similar to powerlifting bars, and honestly, it wouldn’t surprise me if they drew some inspiration from it.
The knurling is deep and aggressive, making it perfect for exercises like deadlifts, squats, and bench presses, where a secure grip is crucial.
You won’t have to worry about this knurling being too mild.
2. Shaft diameter:
The bar features a 29-millimeter shaft. For reference, a Multipurpose bar has a 29.5-millimetre shaft, but I personally prefer the 29-millimetre size for most powerlifting movements.
3. Sleeves
Now, let’s talk about the sleeves🔖; they are stainless steel only on Shaft, and ATE opted for 6 bronze bushings.
This design choice introduces a slight amount of play in the sleeves, which may be a concern for some users, although I’m not particularly worried about it.🔥
ATE Stainless Steel Bar Vs. Competition?
👉 We don’t have many bars to compare. Because most companies don’t make SS bars, and they almost import this.
So in this lineup, we have the ATE & the Bullrock Fitness Stainless Steel Power Bar only, each with its own set of features and price points.
- In Budget – Made in India
ATE Barbell
- 1.5mm Volcano Knurl with the IPF knurl mark makes the ATE SS bar suitable for all national competitions and training.
- Best Imported
Bullrock Fitness Barbell
- The Sabertooth Bar: Stainless Steel embraces you for deadly deadlifts, strong squats and beasty bench presses.
The ATE SS bar knurling is very similar to their powerlifting bar, albeit slightly finer.
The Bullrock SS bar boasts an aggressive knurl for serious powerlifting purposes, while the ATE SS Bar offers an excellent balance between quality and price.🤩
Comparing the ATE SS Power Bar to the Bullrock Fitness Stainless Steel version, which is often a top choice for many, both bars are remarkably similar.
✔️ They both have a tensile strength of 205,000 PSI, feature aggressive knurling, and utilize a similar rotation system (6 bronze bushing).
However, Bullrock Fitness takes the lead by offering a sharper knurl stainless steel shaft designed in the USA, which may hold significance for some users. But the ATE SS barbell is “Made in India” 🇮🇳 and offers closer details at incredible value.💯
In prices, both Stainless Steel barbells are Expensive.
Whether or not you prioritize USA-made equipment, the Bullrock Fitness Stainless Steel bar still stands as a Quality option for any serious lifter.
Which Should you buy?
- A high price doesn’t change your decision, & you have a big pocket.😁 Then, go with Bullrock Fitness Bar, no doubt just for the reason that they offer the biggest range of speciality barbells in India. (All imported quality.)
- You can’t spend extravagantly, and have a budget! ATE barbell should be your PICK. Because its specifications are the same as of bullrock bar, ATE wants to make High-end barbells affordable to all people. (It’s their made-in-India version)
SAVE EXTRA – Share my referral code: “MENSQUATS” to get an extra 5% off on your purchase.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the COST of stainless steel barbells in India has gone up significantly, many believe it’s worth the investment, especially for those who want a low-maintenance, long-lasting option in their home gyms.
However, stainless steel isn’t without its challenges, and it’s important to stay on top of maintenance to keep it in top condition.
Pros
- Sharp knurl feel.
- More tensile strength & loading capacity.
- No problem of rusting.
- No bending issues.
- Full IPF specifications barbell.
- TRUE Powerlifting bar for powerlifters.
Cons
- Costly than Alloy Steel Bars.
- Finish: Half stainless steel, half hard chrome finish.
FAQs
Q1. Is stainless steel the best material for a barbell?
Certainly, Stainless steel is considered one of the best materials for barbells due to its corrosion resistance, durability, and strength. It is LESS likely to rust or corrode compared to other materials.
Q2. Is a stainless steel barbell worth it?
If you want a barbell that is durable, low-maintenance, and resistant to rust, a stainless steel barbell can be a valuable investment. It may have a higher upfront cost, but its longevity and performance make it worthwhile.
Q3. Do I need a stainless steel barbell for my home gym?
If you have a more limited budget and are not concerned about the potential for rust, you may consider other options like chrome-plated or black oxide barbells. They are way cheaper in cost than stainless steel bars. The difference can be of Rs 12,000 or more.
Q4. Do stainless steel barbells rust?
Stainless steel barbells are not entirely immune to these issues. In extremely harsh environments or with improper care (such as exposure to moisture and lack of cleaning), stainless steel can develop surface rust or corrosion.
Q5. What is the strongest power bar?
The ATE stainless steel Power Bar is the best powerlifting bar in India we’ve tested to date. Everything from the knurling to the tensile strength of the steel is superior to other barbells we’ve reviewed.
Also, Read our other BLOGS on barbells available in India!
1. ATE Buffalo Bar in India (Review) | Best for Squats & Bench?
2. My Thoughts About Buying ATE Stainless Steel Bar in India!
3. Best Weight Plates In India: 10 Picks of Iron, Rubber & Bumper Plates.
4. 7 Best Olympic Barbells in India For Gym (Review)
5. Best Powerlifting Bar in India? Bullrock 29MM Wild Rhino
6. 20kg ATE Arctic Camo Bar Review: Cerakote barbell price in India.
I look forward to training with this bar and providing a comprehensive review after extended use. 😁 For personal advice, you can message me on Instagram _mensquats_ and we can have a discussion.
Thanks for reading “Best For Powerlifting: IPF 29mm 20kg ATE Stainless Steel Bar”, and be sure to see my reviews.
Until next time, this is Rishabh from Mensquats Gym Reviews, signing off.
