“I bought the Absolute Stainless Steel Bearing bar second hand less than a month after the original buyer bought it off the B-Side Closeouts. I can't comment on Vulcan Strength's shipping and customer service as it pertains to this bar, but I can comment on how amazing a bar the VSA-SS20 is. The bar does have knurling defects, but only to the extent where the effected knurling is in a location where I don't grip, but rather tape the bar with electrical tape to avoid bar rash and scraping. The knurl is fantastic to hold onto, I prefer a sharp and aggressive knurl and this bar grips just like an Eleiko. On top of that, the bar turns in the hand and spins like a dream, as would a top shelf flagship training or competition bar. The whip gets going at around 110kg at which point the bar becomes dynamic and offers a very nice experience when moving the weight up. Finally, the finish is outstanding. I've spent a lot of time with the polished chrome varieties like a Rogue EU and an Eleiko Trainer, but the stainless steel is a cool look that stands out from the pack.”

1 Helpful Report

Posted 7 years ago

“Purchased the VSA-SS20 Olympic barbell and the Alpha-35 bumper plates. The purchase and delivery was as promised: smooth and timely. As for the barbell, I did a lot of research of all leading mfgs before choosing the VSA-SS20. There are a number of reasons for my purchase. First of all, the the strength numbers: 240,000 PSI tensile strength and 233,000 yield strength. Best in the world. Second, it is pure Stainless Steel. Even the top mfg in world does not claim pure stainless steel. Third, one piece construction, no welds. Fourth, the price. Much lower than the more renowned mfgs. Fifth, it looked great . After working with the bar for a very short time, I can report the following: It is a beautiful bar. The knurling is three phase: Collar to the first ring mark is aggressive. From ring mark towards the middle it is what I call medium aggressive and the actual middle knurl is fine. I personally very much like the medium aggressive knurl. It is grippy, gives me the no slip confidence (without chalk) and gives no hint of shredding your hands. The aggressive knurl is more grippy and yet has the same characteristics. As for the whip, I loaded 200lbs of plates on a rack with protected J-cups and a small bend of the bar became noticeable. For me, that is good. It makes me feel like an Olympian without the capability of tossing 500-600lbs. I am a sucker for workmanship and this bar is a beautiful work of steel. As for the plates, I like the fact of having color demarcation without the added cost. The bumpers have the feel of rubber, unlike the plastic feel of my other (cheap) bumpers. They have a medium bounce to them without a lot of noise. I will be replacing my current bumpers with the Alphas within the next year. Overall, a very good purchasing experience.”

1 Helpful Report

Posted 7 years ago

“I purchased the absolute stainless steel bar on backorder so had to wait for it. First one had problem with the knurling and was replaced with no problem. I use it on the bench. Rotation is best I have seen and the knurling is very tacky but not overly rough. Very good whip. I own Rogue ss Ohio, York, Wright V2, Cap, and Hampton bearing bars, only the Rogue bar comes close. If you want the strongest stainless steel bar, this is it. Only disappointment, not made in USA”

Helpful Report

Posted 8 years ago

“I purchased the absolute stainless steel bar on backorder so had to wait for it. First one had problem with the knurling and was replaced with no problem. I use it on the bench. Rotation is best I have seen and the knurling is very tacky but not overly rough. Very good whip. I own Rogue ss Ohio, York, Wright V2, Cap, and Hampton bearing bars, only the Rogue bar comes close. If you want the strongest stainless steel bar, this is it. Only disappointment, not made in USA”

1 Helpful Report

Posted 8 years ago

“I have been using the bar aggressively for a couple of months and have no complaints. A very strong bar.”

1 Helpful Report

Posted 8 years ago

Vulcan Men's Absolute Stainless Steel Olympic Barbell Reviews