After searching, watching videos, and reading many reviews I wanted to make the right choice for my first bar. I have been doing Crossfit for a year and a half now and with my busy schedule with kids, job, and everything else life throws at you I wanted to start assembling a little garage gym so I can get some workouts in on the days I can't make it to the gym. Read many reviews about Vulcan and how pleased everyone was with the bar. I know nothing about bars but I refused to pay ridiculous prices of the other competitors barbells out there. Probably not what a lot of people do but for a garage gym and me throwing it around I am extremely happy and pleased with this barbell. I got lucky and found one in the clearance page and it said that the bar is in perfect working condition but could be scratched or have a minor defect. I received it and opened it up and I didn't see a single scratch on it. It's a beautiful black zinc color with awesome whip and great knurling. And to top it off it had free shipping. So pleased with this purchase and truly recommend this bar to anyone. Will certainly use Vulcan again with future purchases.