The Ohio Bar - Cerakote is a premium, multipurpose barbell designed for high-intensity training across powerlifting, Olympic lifting, and functional fitness. It is distinguished by its use of Cerakote—a polymer-ceramic composite coating known for extreme durability and corrosion resistance (up to 100x better than standard black zinc). As a staple of the CrossFit Games since 2013, the Ohio Bar is engineered to be a "lifetime" piece of equipment for both home and commercial gyms.
Product Page: The Ohio Bar - Cerakote
Key Features & Specifications
Shaft Diameter: 28.5mm (Standard for multipurpose bars).
Tensile Strength: 190,000 PSI.
Coating: Cerakote shaft available in multiple colorways.
Sleeve Finish: Options for Black Cerakote or Hard Chrome.
Knurling: Dual knurl marks (Olympic and Powerlifting) with a "middle of the road" feel—grippy for heavy pulls but comfortable for high-rep sets.
Center Knurl: No. This prevents neck irritation during front rack movements (cleans, front squats).
Rotation System: Composite bushings for a smooth, consistent spin.
F-Rating: F8-R (High fatigue resistance).
Origin: Manufactured in Columbus, Ohio, USA.
Cerakote Finish Benefits
Originally popularized in the firearm industry for its thin-film durability, Cerakote offers several advantages for barbell owners:
Corrosion Resistance: Outstanding protection against rust, especially in humid or garage gym environments.
Customization: Available in a wide variety of colors (Black, Blue, Red, Green, etc.) with Rogue branding on the shaft.
Abrasion Resistance: High resistance to wear and scratches compared to traditional plating.
Maintenance and Care
While Cerakote is highly resistant to the elements, simple maintenance ensures the bar performs at its peak for decades.
Cleaning the Knurl: Regularly brush the knurling with a nylon bristle brush to remove chalk, skin, and sweat.
Lubrication: For the bushings, a light application of 3-in-1 oil can maintain the smoothness of the sleeve rotation.
Sleeve Wear: Important: Metal-to-metal contact (racking the bar on steel J-cups or using iron plates) will eventually cause wear and chipping on the Cerakote sleeves. Rogue recommends using J-cups with plastic liners to preserve the finish.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not use abrasive cleaners or steel brushes on the Cerakote finish, as they can damage the ceramic layer.
Warranty Information
The Ohio Bar - Cerakote is backed by a Lifetime Warranty against construction defects and bending.
Coverage: This covers the original purchaser against material and workmanship defects.
Exclusions: The warranty does not cover normal "wear and tear" on the coating (scratches/chips), or damage caused by negligence (e.g., dropping the bar on a box, bench, or safety pins).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is the Ohio Bar a "Power Bar"?
A: No. The Ohio Bar is a multipurpose bar with a 28.5mm shaft and some "whip." If you are strictly focused on the "Big 3" (Squat, Bench, Deadlift), you may prefer the Rogue Ohio Power Bar, which has a thicker 29mm shaft and no whip.
Q: Why doesn't it have a center knurl?
A: Multipurpose bars usually omit the center knurl to make "clean" movements and front squats more comfortable by preventing the bar from scratching the athlete's throat or chest.
Q: Does Cerakote feel different than a bare steel bar?
A: Cerakote is a thin coating, but it does fill the knurling slightly more than a Black Oxide finish. It provides a reliable grip that works exceptionally well with chalk.
Q: Can I drop this bar with iron plates?
A: It is not recommended. The Ohio Bar is designed for use with bumper plates. Repeatedly dropping a bar with iron plates can lead to structural damage and will void the lifetime warranty.