Competition Powerlifting Bar SQMIZE® ELITE CLUB OB86PL-HTb Quantum, Raw Steel

The Competition Powerlifting Bar SQMIZE® ELITE CLUB OB86PL-HTb Quantum combines all the characteristics of a competition bar: a 29 mm Raw Steel shaft, oversized Elite bronze bushings and IPF marking with centre knurling. The knurling pattern and depth, combined with the untreated steel, provide excellent grip. A bar consistently developed for Powerlifting – squats, bench presses and deadlifts.

Developed with the National Coach

We developed this Powerlifting Bar together with Francesco Virzi, former coach of the German Powerlifting Federation BVDK. After extensive testing, he wrote about it: “A standardised bar ideal for Powerlifting home gyms and smaller competitions – highly loadable, with excellent grip.”

Raw Steel Shaft

With the HTb Quantum, there is nothing between your hand and the steel. The shaft is made from bare, untreated specialty steel – meaning the knurling itself forms the surface. No coating dampens the knurling, and nothing can chip or wear away over time. The result is a direct, close-to-the-skin grip feel, as preferred by many powerlifters in competition.

This advantage comes at a price: Raw Steel is uncoated and therefore not protected against corrosion. The bar requires more care and careful storage than a coated bar – wiping it down regularly after training and storing it in a dry location are essential, not optional. For those willing to accept this additional maintenance, it provides the most direct connection to the bar possible.

Core Feature: 4 Oversized Elite Bronze Bushings

Rotation is provided by four Elite bronze bushings in an oversized design. Powerlifting does not require free, fast spin, but controlled, smooth rotation: during squats, bench presses and deadlifts, the bar should remain stable and not move ahead of the lifter. That is exactly what the bronze bushings deliver – balanced powerlifting spin, robust and durable.

Specialty Steel with 239,014 PSI – Certified by a German Testing Laboratory

The OB86PL-HTb is made from alloy specialty steel with a tensile strength of 239,014 PSI; the yield strength is 218,129 PSI. Both values have been tested and certified by an independent German testing laboratory. The static load limit is 2,550 lbs (1,150 kg). In addition to chromium and molybdenum, the silicon content provides the necessary elasticity – deliberately restrained for a Powerlifting Bar, however, so that the bar remains stiff under maximum load.

Grip, Knurling and IPF Marking

The shaft has a diameter of 29 mm – the Powerlifting standard. The knurling is sharp and, in combination with the untreated steel, provides excellent grip. The centre knurling gives the bar additional support on the back during squats and prevents it from slipping. For regulation-compliant grip positioning, the bar features the IPF marking with a distance of 810 mm.

Precision in Weight and Straightness

The OB86PL-HTb weighs 20 kg with a maximum deviation of ±20 grams. Across its total length of 220 cm, the straightness tolerance is 0.2 mm. This means you work from the same starting position on every attempt – both in training and competition. The barbell sleeves feature a Bright Zinc finish (Silver Matte) and are securely enclosed by high-quality SQMIZE® Dual Snap Ring end caps.

Technical Data

Scope of Delivery and Care

Included in delivery is one Competition Powerlifting Bar SQMIZE® ELITE CLUB OB86PL-HTb Quantum. The bar is classified as Commercial Grade and is therefore designed for continuous use in commercial gym environments. It is supplied from the factory with a protective layer of oil and film – remove the oil with a dry, soft cloth before first use.

Please note that the Raw Steel shaft is uncoated and therefore requires more care and careful storage than a coated bar. All further care instructions can be found in the enclosed leaflet and in our information on 50 mm barbells on the website.

* The warranty against bending requires proper handling of the barbell. It does not apply in cases of negligent or improper use. The warranty also becomes void if the bar is modified, improperly maintained or improperly stored.

• Raw Steel shaft – uncoated, providing the most direct grip feel
• Developed together with BVDK national coach Francesco Virzi
• 29 mm specialty steel with 239,014 PSI tensile strength and 218,129 PSI yield strength – certified, loadable up to 1,150 kg
• 4 oversized Elite bronze bushings, centre knurling, IPF marking (810 mm)
• ±20 g weight accuracy, 0.2 mm straightness tolerance, Commercial Grade