Compare/Contrast two York Bars

[Howard Wilcox]

Hello folks,

At some point in the near future I would like a genuine 28mm WL bar. There is a lot of information on the Pendlay Bars (why I'm not seeking information about them specifically...and I own some of his HD-28.5mm bars and like them).

What I don't see much about are the two top-end York bars:

York Elite Competition Olympic Bar

York Olympic Training Bar

Both are here:
http://www.roguefitness.com/store/product95.html


Do these bars have the same finish/knurling? And how is it? Other than bearing/bushing differences, what else is there?

Since I see so little about them now, have they been eclipsed by the Pendlay versions (same price ranges of course)?

I kind of like the York name (have one power bar of theirs that I like) just for historical reasons if nothing else, but would like to know about the quality of these two bars also and if they should be on my list (which already contains both of Glenn's bars).

Thanks,

howard

[Brian DeGennaro]

I don't know specifically most newer models, but I have handled their older Elite's and Trainers, and I have to say they are fantastic. The Elite bars, which are meant for competition purposes, have thicker knurling and longer collars if I'm not mistaken. That and they are more calibrated, that's about it.

Now, these are the older models between 5-15yrs of use. The newer training models my CF affiliate has, and lemme say, it's hit or miss. The knurling is thicker, and the center knurling is as punishing as the outside knurling. Some bars oscillate better than others, some collars spin better than others. I'd look for older models if I were you, if not, spend the money on an Eleiko. Those are probably the best ones ever made, in my opinion.

[Howard Wilcox]

Wow, that's disturbing.

A couple of questions though. Are these the split-sleeve trainers (around $200 or so) or one of the two I mentioned?

Similarly, are these made in the US (or Canada) or China? At some point I think York moved their production back to the US/Canada and away from China due to quality control issues. Any idea on that?


Thanks,

howard

[Brian DeGennaro]

The bars at my university are York Elite's, so they are competition approved and they aren't split sleeve. The ones at my CF back at home, they aren't split sleeve either. If I'm not mistaken they're the USA made Comp/Training bars.

[Howard Wilcox]

Ok, thanks.


I hope some others will chime in with their experiences.


howard