Rogue B&R Bar 2.0 Review 2026: The Do-Everything Bar Two Legends Built
The B&R Bar is what happens when an Olympic weightlifting coach (Mike Burgener) and a strength coach (Mark Rippetoe) argue about the perfect barbell and then build it together. Dual knurl marks, a shaft spec that works for cleans and deadlifts alike — the B&R is Rogue's true "one bar for both sports" answer.
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📋 Key Takeaways
- →What the B&R Bar 2.0 Is
- →Rogue B&R Bar 2.0 Specs
- →What We Like
- →What to Know Before Buying
- →B&R vs the Rogue Lineup
📑 Table of Contents
What the B&R Bar 2.0 Is
The Burgener & Rippetoe bar was designed to settle an argument: a weightlifting coach wanted whip and spin, a strength coach wanted a bar that could squat and pull without compromise. The result is a 28.5mm, 190K PSI bar with dual knurl marks — legitimately usable for snatches and cleans AND heavy power work. It sits between the Ohio Bar and the dedicated Olympic bars in Rogue's lineup.
Rogue B&R Bar 2.0 Specs
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Weight | 20kg (45lb) |
| Length | 86.6 in |
| Shaft Diameter | 28.5mm |
| Tensile Strength | 190,000 PSI |
| Sleeve Rotation | Bronze bushings |
| Knurl Marks | Dual (IWF + IPF) |
| Center Knurl | Yes |
| Finish | Bare steel / e-coat options |
| Made In | USA (Columbus, OH) |
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty |
| Price | ~$325 |
What We Like
- •True dual-sport bar — dual knurl marks and a shaft spec that honestly works for both weightlifting and powerlifting
- •Center knurl included — squat-friendly, which most Olympic bars skip
- •Burgener + Rippetoe pedigree — designed by two coaches who actually lift, not a marketing committee
- •Same 190K steel as the Ohio Bar — proven, durable, drops without complaint
- •Lifetime Rogue warranty and resale — the bar retains value like every Rogue flagship
What to Know Before Buying
- •~$325 sits awkwardly — $30 more than the Ohio Bar, which most buyers default to
- •Bare steel versions need maintenance — chalk and oil or it patinas fast
- •Bushing spin, not bearings — fine for cleans, not competition-grade spin for serious weightlifters
- •The Ohio Bar is 90% of this bar for $30 less — the B&R premium buys the center knurl and the name
B&R vs the Rogue Lineup
| Bar | Price | Best for | Center knurl | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B&R Bar 2.0 | ~$325 | WL + PL crossover | Yes | The dual-sport pick |
| Ohio Bar | ~$295 | All-purpose | Optional | The default |
| Echo Bar 2.0 | ~$205 | Budget | No | The budget king |
| Rogue WL Bar | ~$495+ | Olympic lifting | Yes | The specialist |
Who Should Buy the B&R Bar 2.0
Lifters who genuinely train both sports — CrossFit athletes who also squat and pull heavy, garage owners who want ONE bar with zero compromises, and anyone who likes the idea of a bar designed by the two coaches who defined modern barbell training. If you only do one sport, the specialist bar (or the cheaper Ohio) is the smarter buy.
The Verdict: 4.5/5 — The Dual-Sport Legend
The B&R 2.0 is the barbell two coaching legends designed for themselves. If you train both ways, it is the most honest one-bar answer Rogue makes.
Check Barbell Prices →Two Legends, One Bar
The dual-sport barbell Burgener and Rippetoe designed — for lifters who train both ways.
Check Barbell Prices →Related Guides
BarbellNearMe Editorial Team
Reviewed by certified strength coaches · How we test
Our editorial team includes competitive powerlifters, Olympic weightlifters, and CrossFit athletes with 10+ years of experience. Every guide is fact-checked against manufacturer specs, peer-reviewed research, and hands-on testing. We do not accept paid placements — recommendations are based solely on performance, value, and durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Rogue B&R Bar?
The Burgener & Rippetoe bar — a 20kg, 28.5mm, 190K PSI barbell designed by Olympic coach Mike Burgener and strength coach Mark Rippetoe to work for both weightlifting and powerlifting. Dual knurl marks, center knurl, ~$325.
B&R Bar vs Ohio Bar — which is better?
The B&R adds a center knurl and is tuned slightly toward dual-sport use for ~$30 more. For pure all-purpose use most buyers pick the Ohio; for WL+PL crossover, the B&R is the pick.
Is the B&R Bar good for Olympic lifting?
Yes — dual knurl marks, decent whip, and bushing spin handle cleans and snatches well. Serious competitive weightlifters will want bearing-bar spin, but for training it is more than enough.
Is the B&R Bar good for powerlifting?
Yes — 190K PSI steel, center knurl for squats, and a shaft diameter close to a power bar. It handles heavy squats and deadlifts without complaint.
Why is it called B&R?
Burgener & Rippetoe — Mike Burgener (Olympic weightlifting coach) and Mark Rippetoe (Starting Strength author). The bar is designed to satisfy both sports.