Description Specifications Commonly Asked Questions The Original Texas Power Bar, The Bar That Built The Sport Made in Texas — Trusted Since 1980 — The Original 28.5mm Standard The Texas Power Bar is the original competition powerlifting barbell, made in Texas by Buddy Capps since 1980. Often considered the best Texas Power Bar for serious powerlifters, this 28.5mm barbell delivers the aggressive knurling, center knurl, and specific feel that built the sport of powerlifting. This is the bar that set the standard — and continues to define it. Why Powerlifters Choose This Bar ✓ The Original Texas Knurl: The specific, sharp cut that defined what a power bar feels like. Often imitated, never replicated. ✓ Proven Since 1980: No guesswork. This is the exact bar design used to set decades of world records before "specialty bars" even existed. ✓ The 28.5mm Standard: The classic shaft diameter that offers the perfect balance of rigidity for squats and just enough play for heavy deadlifts. The Legend: The Original Texas Power Bar The most iconic powerlifting barbell of all time — the revolutionary bar created in 1980 by powerlifter Buddy Capps. Known for its aggressive knurling, unyielding durability, and perfect whip, the Original Texas Power Bar has earned its reputation on competition platforms and in serious training facilities worldwide. Handbuilt in Texas from a 44 lbs / 20 kg, 28.5mm diameter shaft forged with 190,000+ PSI tensile strength steel, this bar features maintenance-free bronze bushings, a 4" center knurl for reliable squat grip, 15″ loadable sleeves, single knurl marks, and an 86″ overall length. Proudly carrying Buddy Capps’ stamp of approval, this is the original Texas Power Bar — not a copy. Looking for upgraded stiffness? For modern competition-spec updates (stiffer 29mm shaft & thinner collars), see the 29mm Texas Power Bar (7th Generation). Who This Bar Is For Lifters wanting the original gold standard power bar Commercial Gyms, High Schools, Universities, & Powerlifting Clubs needing equipment that lasts decades Strength athletes who want the specific bar feel they grew up lifting on Athletes training for competitions (IPF spec compliant) Lifters who believe "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" Whether on the platform or in daily training, the Texas Power Bar remains the gold standard for the squat, bench press, and deadlift. Competition Proven & Built to Last Texas Power Bars have been used in powerlifting meets, training halls, and home gyms for over four decades. Built with American steel and Texas craftsmanship, the Original Texas Power Bar is designed to perform today the same way it did decades ago — reliably, consistently, and without compromise. Engineered for Versatility & Durability Aggressive Knurling: Maximum grip security under heavy loads. The 190k PSI "Sweet Spot": Strong enough for world records, but with the classic feel that has survived 40 years of abuse in hardcore gyms. Proven Reliability: Trusted by powerlifters since 1980. Whether you're training for a meet or building strength in your home gym, the Texas Power Bar delivers the same performance trusted by powerlifters since 1980. Technical Specifications — The Original (28.5mm) Specification Original Details Shaft Diameter 28.5mm – IPF specification for powerlifting Weight 44 lbs / 20 kg – Official powerlifting weight Tensile Strength 190,000+ PSI – The classic power bar standard Knurling Aggressive – Maximum grip security under heavy loads Center Knurl 4″ center knurl – Keeps the bar locked on your back Knurl Marks Single – Powerlifting standard Sleeves 15″ loadable sleeves Collars Classic thicker Texas collars Inside Collar Width 52 inches Bushings Bronze, maintenance-free – smooth rotation Overall Length 86″ Origin Made in Texas, USA Bar Weight: 44LB / 20KG Sleeve Type: Bare Steel, Chrome Centre Knurl: 4" Min. Tensile Strength: 190k Bar Length: 86" Knurling: Aggressive Knurling Do Texas Power Bars come with a warranty? All Texas Power Bars products manufactured by Capps Welding Inc. have a lifetime warranty on craftsmanship. Our bars have a limited lifetime warranty against bending for the original owner under normal use. We do not warrant any item that has been abused, neglected or dumped on rack pins, safety bars, straps, boxes et al. Bushings and bearings will wear over time. If a bushing or bearing should fail/break under normal use this is covered under our warranty. Any bar shaft that is bent will be handled on a case by case basis and the replacement will be at the sole discretion of Capps Welding Inc. The original customer may ship a bar back for inspection after written authorization is provided. Proudly Made in America for over 40 years. Please email us on [email protected] for any warranty claims. How should I maintain my barbell to ensure it lasts a lifetime? Wipe down the shaft and sleeves with a dry cloth after training to remove chalk and sweat. For deeper cleaning, use a stiff nylon brush on the knurling. Lightly oil the sleeves every few months if needed. Can I use chalk, straps or liquid grip with my bar? Yes. Chalk, straps, and liquid grip are all safe to use and won’t void your warranty. We recommend brushing excess chalk out of the knurling regularly. What's the best way to clean the knurling and sleeves? Use a stiff nylon brush to loosen chalk and dirt. Avoid wire brushes, as they can damage the finish. For sleeves, wipe with a dry or lightly oiled cloth. Will my barbell ever need oiling or lubrication? Our bronze bushings are self-lubricating and require very little maintenance. Occasionally wiping the sleeves with a cloth and a few drops of light oil will keep them moving smoothly. Are Texas Power Bars safe to store in a garage or outdoors? Yes, but keep in mind that extreme humidity or rain exposure can cause surface rust. If storing in a garage, occasional cleaning and oiling will help prevent rust. We don’t recommend outdoor storage without protection. How long will the knurling stay sharp? Texas Power Bars are known for their aggressive, long-lasting knurling. With regular use and proper care, the knurling will maintain its bite for decades. Can my barbell handle dropping with bumper plates? Yes. Texas Power Bars are built to withstand heavy drops with bumper plates, but they are not designed for repeated drops on bare steel plates or on hard surfaces without protective flooring. Do the sleeves spin, and what type of bushing systems do you use? Yes. All Texas Power Bars use self-lubricating bronze bushings for a reliable, smooth sleeve rotation without the maintenance needs of needle bearings. Are these bars approved for competition use? Yes. The Original Texas Power Bar and Texas Deadlift Bar are widely approved and trusted in federations including IPF, USAPL, and many others.
