REP Fitness Double Black Diamond Power Bar Review: Premium Quality at a Competitive Price

The REP Fitness Double Black Diamond Power Bar is a standout offering for serious powerlifters and home gym enthusiasts. Designed to meet International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) specifications, this bar combines top-tier quality, durable materials, and competitive pricing.

Specifications and Build Quality

The Double Black Diamond Power Bar weighs 20kg (44.1lbs) and measures 86.6 inches long. It adheres to IPF standards with a 29mm diameter shaft and 200,000 PSI tensile strength steel, ensuring minimal whip and excellent stiffness during heavy lifts. Rep fitness has taken steps in quality control as well, guaranteeing the weight and the dimensions of the barbell. My bar weighed exactly as it should.

The bar features mountain-style knurling, providing a secure grip without being overly aggressive. This knurling makes it slightly more aggressive than standard powerlifting bars, such as the Rogue Ohio Power Bar, while still being comfortable for most lifters. This isn't necessarily an overly aggressive knurl in my experience, but is more aggressive than the Ohio Power Bar which is commonly a standard in powerlifting bar aggressiveness.

Finish Options and Durability

Available in OD Green Cerakote with a Duracoat finish on the sleeves, the REP Double Black Diamond Power Bar should perform well in terms of durability. The Cerakote finish resists wear and corrosion, while the Duracoat finish on the sleeves handles frequent use with bumper plates, landmine attachments, and standard plates exceptionally well. No more Cerakote sleeves where the finish almost immediately wears off when adding or removing plates.

Unlike some finishes, such as black zinc, which wear quickly, the Duracoat maintains its appearance and integrity even with regular use. This makes the Double Black Diamond Power Bar ideal for home gyms, where longevity and low maintenance are priorities.

Performance and User Experience

The Double Black Diamond Power Bar excels in powerlifting movements like squats, bench presses, and deadlifts. Its stiffness and minimal whip rival other premium bars, such as the Rogue Ohio Power Bar, despite a slightly lower tensile strength.

The mountain-style knurling offers a grippy feel that’s not overly sharp, making it comfortable for heavy lifts. Additionally, the bar includes a center knurl that matches the aggressiveness of the outer knurl, aiding grip during squats.

Quiet and Precise Design

One standout feature of the REP Double Black Diamond Power Bar is its quiet operation. Packed with grease and constructed with snap-ring technology, the sleeves have tight tolerances, reducing lateral play and noise. The attention to detail, including a quality control card documenting the bar’s specifications, sets it apart from competitors.

Pricing and Value

At $330 for the Cerakote version and $400 for stainless steel, the Double Black Diamond Power Bar offers exceptional value. Shipping costs are included in the price, making it a budget-friendly option for those seeking a premium powerlifting barbell.

he REP Double Black Diamond Power Bar stacks up well against its peers:

• Rogue Ohio Power Bar: Slightly stiffer (205,000 PSI), but with less aggressive knurling and higher pricing. The Ohio Power Bar is a favorite among powerlifters for its reliability and performance, but it may not offer the same value as the Double Black Diamond.

• Bells of Steel Bare Naked Power Bar: More affordable but lacks the durability and finish options of the Double Black Diamond Power Bar. While the Bare Naked Power Bar provides great performance at a lower price point, its bare steel construction requires more maintenance and isn’t as resilient as the Cerakote or stainless steel finishes on the Double Black Diamond.

Final Verdict

The REP Fitness Double Black Diamond Power Bar is an outstanding choice for powerlifters and strength training enthusiasts. Its combination of durability, performance, and affordability makes it a top contender in the powerlifting barbell market. Whether you’re outfitting your home gym or upgrading your equipment, this bar is hard to beat.

If you’re considering a new power bar, the Double Black Diamond Power Bar should be at the top of your list.