Hamburg Competition Power Bar SQMIZE® PREMIUM BISON OB86PL-HTz CrCN Carbon-Chrome Coating Black – Made in Germany

The Hamburg Competition Power Bar SQMIZE® PREMIUM BISON OB86PL-HTz CrCN Black bears the Made in Germany hallmark. Its key features include high-strength specialty steel with certified strength values, a 29 mm shaft, four oversized Elite bronze bushings, and IPF markings with center knurling. The alloy specialty steel has a static load capacity of up to 1,150 kg.

Developed with the National Coach

We developed this powerlifting barbell together with Francesco Virzi, former coach of the German Powerlifting Federation BVDK. When it was first introduced, he described it as: “A standardized barbell, ideal for powerlifting home gyms and smaller competitions – highly load-resistant with a solid grip.” Since then, the bar has developed into a true classic.

Further Developed: From “Solid” to “Sharp”

There has been no technical standstill when it comes to grip performance. What Virzi described as “solid” at the time has been continuously refined since then: Today, the bar features a “sharp” knurling profile – providing excellent grip that remains consistent across the entire length of the shaft, without losing grip toward the ends. The ultra-thin Titanium Black coating supports this grip rather than dampening it.

Made in Germany – Assembled and Tested South of Hamburg

Each of these power bars is assembled at our facility south of Hamburg and tested before shipping. Made in Germany is not just a label to us, but the final step in the manufacturing process: We retain control over every component, and every bar passes through our hands before it reaches you. That is precisely what sets the Hamburg Competition apart from a purely imported bar.

Core Feature: 4 Oversized Elite Bronze Bushings

Rotation is provided by four oversized Elite bronze bushings. Powerlifting does not require a free, fast spin, but rather controlled, smooth rotation: The bar should remain stable during squats, bench presses, and deadlifts instead of moving ahead of the lifter. That is exactly what the bronze bushings deliver – a balanced powerlifting spin that helps reduce stress on the joints.

Specialty Steel with 238,900 PSI – Certified by a German Testing Laboratory

The OB86PL-HTz is made from alloy specialty steel with a tensile strength of 238,900 PSI; the yield strength is 216,500 PSI. Both values were 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 kept moderate for a powerlifting bar so that the bar remains stiff under maximum loads.

Grip, Knurling and IPF Markings

The shaft has a diameter of 29 mm – the powerlifting standard. The knurling features a sharp profile: It sits firmly and securely in the hands during squats, bench presses, and deadlifts, even at maximum weights and during intense sessions. The center knurling provides additional grip on the back during squats and prevents the bar from slipping. For regulation-compliant grip positioning, the bar features IPF markings with a distance of 810 mm.

Coating: CrCN Carbon-Chrome Coating Black and Zinc Silver Matte

The shaft features a black CrCN coating. It is extremely hard and durable while also being ultra-thin: It does not cover the knurling but enhances its grip – a noticeable advantage for a sharp-knurled powerlifting bar. It is also highly abrasion-resistant, making it durable for demanding everyday studio use. The barbell sleeves feature the proven zinc silver-matte coating, providing solid corrosion resistance. The bar is secured with high-quality SQMIZE® Dual Snap Ring end caps.

Technical Data