CAP OB-86PBCK vs Ohio Power Bar Comparison

For those looking for a good barbell for the money and a good upgrade to what you are probably use to (hex bolt end). The Cap OB-86PBCK is a good option. For the purposes of this thread I will compare it to the Ohio Power Bar.



Both barbells offer Cap ring design. This is superior to typical cheap barbells with the hex bolt because it doesn't need to be tightened constantly.

Knurling:
Ohio Power Bar in bare steel


Cap bar in phosphate


The OPB is noticeably more aggressive but being that it is bare steel helps because the coating does not fill up the knurling. The Cap is not that aggressive but the knurling is very grippy and better than the average bar which is normally fairly slick.

Length:
The OPB is slightly longer (~1") this is good for more plates.


Notice that the sleeve has a slightly skinnier stop on the OPB. Also good for additional plates.


Center Knurl:
The Cap is slightly longer than the OPB in the center knurl.


Bushings:
Both bars have bushings.
OPB has brass bushings


Cap I believe has composite bushings


Also notice the OPB knurling goes all the way to the sleeve. I personally don't care about this but people who do snatch grip might like this.

Sleeve Rotation:
The OPB definitely spins better. However, the Cap will spin better than the average cheap bar.

Ratings:
Cap
~150ksi Tensile Strength (resistance to bending)
1500lb weight capacity
28.5mm bar (this combined with the lower tensile strength makes this bar a little more whippy and not as stiff)
20kg weight
Price: 112 from Walmart

OPB
205ksi Tensile strength (very stiff)
Usually quality bars don't offer weight capacity ratings
29mm bar (stiffer, better for Bench and Squat)
Comes in 20kg but my version is the 45lb
Price: 274 from Rogue (bare steel version)


Overall, the OPB is better but the Cap is a very good upgrade to a normal cheap barbell. Highly recommended.