Starting Strength Bar 15KG

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Description

Texas Starting Strength Bar (15kg / 33lbs)

The Official Beginner Bar for Linear Progression

25mm Shaft — "Fine" Knurl — Bare Steel

The Texas Starting Strength Bar (15kg variant) is the official lighter-weight barbell authorized for use in Starting Strength Gyms nationwide. Designed to the strict specifications of the Novice Linear Progression (NLP), this bar brings the same precision and feel as the standard 20kg version, but optimized for youth, women, and beginners who need a lighter starting point.

This bar combines decades of handbuilt Texas craftsmanship with the specific needs of Basic Barbell Training. With a thinner 25mm shaft, no center knurl, and Fine (Type B) knurling, it is a safe, approachable, and highly effective tool for learning the Squat, Press, Deadlift, Bench, and Power Clean without the intimidation of a heavy, thick barbell.

Why This Is The "Blue Book" Standard for Beginners

A great introduction to "The Program" requires the right tools. Here is why this bar works:

  • ✓ 25mm Shaft Diameter: Balances stiffness with feel. The thinner shaft allows lifters with smaller hands (women and youth) to establish a secure hook grip and Press safely.
  • ✓ 33 lbs / 15 kg Weight: Approachable for beginners who aren't ready for the standard 45lb bar, while still providing meaningful resistance for linear progression.
  • ✓ Fine "Type B" Knurling: Gentle on the hands during technique drills and high-rep sessions, encouraging consistency without pain.
  • ✓ No Center Knurl: For maximum olympic style lift versatility.

Engineered for Precision & Learning

This is not a cheap "junior" bar; it is a serious piece of equipment scaled down for specific needs. Constructed from the same 190,000 PSI tensile strength steel as our heavy power bars, the Texas Starting Strength 15kg Bar offers the stability and longevity required for commercial gym use.

The 11½" loadable sleeves offer ample space for iron plates while maintaining perfect balance, allowing athletes to safely progress from an empty bar to heavier loads as they move through their novice progression.

Who This Bar Is Best For

  • Women & Youth: 25mm shaft is perfect for smaller hand sizes.
  • Beginners: Learning the Novice Linear Progression (NLP) with manageable weight.
  • Starting Strength Coaches: Ideal for teaching the Power Clean and Press technique.
  • Rehab & Technique: High-rep training where form is the priority.
  • Home Gyms: A versatile second bar for the whole family.

"The same Texas quality, optimized for learning."

Dual Marks for Proper Form

Just like the 20kg version, this bar features Dual Knurl Marks. This supports proper hand placement across all lifts—from the Bench Press to the Snatch—ensuring that as the lifter graduates to a heavier bar, their muscle memory remains consistent.

Engineered for Accessibility

  • Accessibility: 33lb weight bridges the gap between training bars and competition bars.
  • Authenticity: 100% Bare Steel provides the classic "Starting Strength" feel.
  • Durability: Bronze bushings provide smooth rotation for years of heavy use.

Handbuilt in Texas, this bar represents the gold standard for foundational strength training.

Technical Specifications — 15kg Starting Strength Bar

Specification Details
Shaft Diameter 25mm – Thinner for easy grip
Weight 33 lbs / 15 kg – Beginner optimized
Tensile Strength 190,000 PSI steel
Knurling Fine (Type B) – Gentle on hands
Center Knurl No – For maximum olympic style lift versatility
Knurl Marks Dual Marks – IWF & IPF
Sleeves 11.5″ Loadable Sleeves – Bronze Bushings
Inside Collar Width
Overall Length 78.5" (Fits standard racks)
Origin Handbuilt in Texas, USA

Available Finish — Bare Steel

The Texas Starting Strength Bar is available exclusively in Bare Steel.

  • Why Bare Steel? It offers the ultimate "metal-on-skin" grip feel required for the program. There is no plating to make the bar slippery during heavy deadlifts.
  • Patina: Over time, bare steel will develop a natural patina. This is expected. Regular brushing and oiling are required to keep it in top condition.

Experience the Texas Power Bars Difference

Specs may look similar on paper, but nothing feels — or performs — like a Texas Power Bar in the hands. When you lift with a Texas Power Bar, you’re not only lifting with a piece of strength history — you’re passing on a tradition of becoming the strongest version of yourself to the generations to come.

No Imports. No Shortcuts.

Texas Power Bars are hand-assembled in Texas using ultra-premium, industry-leading American steel. Family-owned and operated for over 45 years — never imported, never outsourced, never built to cut corners.

The Gold Standard of Strength Training

Texas Power Bars have set more powerlifting records than any bar in history. Built with relentless grip, maximum stiffness, and nearly indestructible durability to outperform and outlast rep after rep.

Proven Over Decades of Strength

With 100,000+ barbells sold since 1980, Texas Power Bars are trusted everywhere strength is earned — from home gyms and garages to Division I weight rooms and world competition platforms.

Record-Breaking Legacy > Everything Else

Every bar is a piece of strength history, built with the same attention to detail established over four decades ago by powerlifting founder Buddy Capps — while others have come and gone.

This Is the Texas Way

Backed by Texas-based support and industry leading warranty. When you reach out, you’ll speak with a real strength expert right here in the Lone Star State via our Contact Us page — because we stand behind our craftsmanship and know how our bars perform under pressure.

FSA / HSA Eligible

Smash PRs, not your wallet. Use pre-tax dollars to save up to 30% off Texas Power Bars strength equipment. Eligible for FSA and HSA funds, making it easier to invest in high-quality home gym strength equipment built to last.

Start Strong.

Stop struggling with equipment that is too heavy or too thick. The Texas Starting Strength 15kg Bar is the reliable partner you need to learn the lifts safely and effectively.

What Customers Are Saying

Read all real lifter reviews here →

“Bought this for my wife to start the program. The 25mm shaft was a game changer for her deadlift.”
“Perfect for my teenage son. Real steel feel, just lighter.”
“The fine knurling is so comfortable for high rep technique work.”
“Fits my power rack perfectly. A must-have for teaching the lifts.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a "Women's Bar"?
While the 25mm diameter and 15kg weight match the specs of a standard Women's Olympic Bar, this bar is designed for anyone who needs a lighter starting point—youth, beginners, or rehab patients following the NLP.

Will it fit my Power Rack?
Yes. Despite the shorter overall length (78.5"), the distance between the inside collars is compatible with standard power racks. (Always measure your rack to be sure, but it fits standard ~48" width racks).

Why only Bare Steel?
Bare steel provides the most authentic grip feel. There is no plating to fill in the knurling or create a slippery surface, which is crucial when learning proper grip mechanics.

Can I drop this bar?
This bar uses bronze bushings and strong steel, so it can handle controlled drops (like a Power Clean) on a platform with bumper plates. However, it is not a dedicated bearing bar for competitive Olympic Weightlifting.

What is the difference between this and the 20kg version?
This bar is lighter (33lbs vs 44lbs), thinner (25mm vs 28.5mm), and shorter (78.5" vs 86"). It is designed for those who cannot yet effectively train with the full 20kg bar.

Ready for Heavy Weight?

If you are already lifting heavier loads and want the standard size bar, check out the full-size 20kg Texas Starting Strength Bar.

Related Texas Power Bars

Other Texas equipment, accessories, & apparel

Complete your gym with official Texas Power Bars gear. From Texas magnetic collars and bar cleaning brushes to official shirts, hats, and gym banners, we have everything you need to support your strength training.

Shop All Texas Gear & Accessories →

Texas Starting Strength Bar (15kg / 33lbs)

The Official Beginner Bar for Linear Progression

25mm Shaft — "Fine" Knurl — Bare Steel

The Texas Starting Strength Bar (15kg variant) is the official lighter-weight barbell authorized for use in Starting Strength Gyms nationwide. Designed to the strict specifications of the Novice Linear Progression (NLP), this bar brings the same precision and feel as the standard 20kg version, but optimized for youth, women, and beginners who need a lighter starting point.

This bar combines decades of handbuilt Texas craftsmanship with the specific needs of Basic Barbell Training. With a thinner 25mm shaft, no center knurl, and Fine (Type B) knurling, it is a safe, approachable, and highly effective tool for learning the Squat, Press, Deadlift, Bench, and Power Clean without the intimidation of a heavy, thick barbell.

Why This Is The "Blue Book" Standard for Beginners

A great introduction to "The Program" requires the right tools. Here is why this bar works:

  • ✓ 25mm Shaft Diameter: Balances stiffness with feel. The thinner shaft allows lifters with smaller hands (women and youth) to establish a secure hook grip and Press safely.
  • ✓ 33 lbs / 15 kg Weight: Approachable for beginners who aren't ready for the standard 45lb bar, while still providing meaningful resistance for linear progression.
  • ✓ Fine "Type B" Knurling: Gentle on the hands during technique drills and high-rep sessions, encouraging consistency without pain.
  • ✓ No Center Knurl: For maximum olympic style lift versatility.

Engineered for Precision & Learning

This is not a cheap "junior" bar; it is a serious piece of equipment scaled down for specific needs. Constructed from the same 190,000 PSI tensile strength steel as our heavy power bars, the Texas Starting Strength 15kg Bar offers the stability and longevity required for commercial gym use.

The 11½" loadable sleeves offer ample space for iron plates while maintaining perfect balance, allowing athletes to safely progress from an empty bar to heavier loads as they move through their novice progression.

Who This Bar Is Best For

  • Women & Youth: 25mm shaft is perfect for smaller hand sizes.
  • Beginners: Learning the Novice Linear Progression (NLP) with manageable weight.
  • Starting Strength Coaches: Ideal for teaching the Power Clean and Press technique.
  • Rehab & Technique: High-rep training where form is the priority.
  • Home Gyms: A versatile second bar for the whole family.

"The same Texas quality, optimized for learning."

Dual Marks for Proper Form

Just like the 20kg version, this bar features Dual Knurl Marks. This supports proper hand placement across all lifts—from the Bench Press to the Snatch—ensuring that as the lifter graduates to a heavier bar, their muscle memory remains consistent.

Engineered for Accessibility

  • Accessibility: 33lb weight bridges the gap between training bars and competition bars.
  • Authenticity: 100% Bare Steel provides the classic "Starting Strength" feel.
  • Durability: Bronze bushings provide smooth rotation for years of heavy use.

Handbuilt in Texas, this bar represents the gold standard for foundational strength training.

Technical Specifications — 15kg Starting Strength Bar

Specification Details
Shaft Diameter 25mm – Thinner for easy grip
Weight 33 lbs / 15 kg – Beginner optimized
Tensile Strength 190,000 PSI steel
Knurling Fine (Type B) – Gentle on hands
Center Knurl No – For maximum olympic style lift versatility
Knurl Marks Dual Marks – IWF & IPF
Sleeves 11.5″ Loadable Sleeves – Bronze Bushings
Inside Collar Width
Overall Length 78.5" (Fits standard racks)
Origin Handbuilt in Texas, USA

Available Finish — Bare Steel

The Texas Starting Strength Bar is available exclusively in Bare Steel.

  • Why Bare Steel? It offers the ultimate "metal-on-skin" grip feel required for the program. There is no plating to make the bar slippery during heavy deadlifts.
  • Patina: Over time, bare steel will develop a natural patina. This is expected. Regular brushing and oiling are required to keep it in top condition.

Experience the Texas Power Bars Difference

Specs may look similar on paper, but nothing feels — or performs — like a Texas Power Bar in the hands. When you lift with a Texas Power Bar, you’re not only lifting with a piece of strength history — you’re passing on a tradition of becoming the strongest version of yourself to the generations to come.

No Imports. No Shortcuts.

Texas Power Bars are hand-assembled in Texas using ultra-premium, industry-leading American steel. Family-owned and operated for over 45 years — never imported, never outsourced, never built to cut corners.

The Gold Standard of Strength Training

Texas Power Bars have set more powerlifting records than any bar in history. Built with relentless grip, maximum stiffness, and nearly indestructible durability to outperform and outlast rep after rep.

Proven Over Decades of Strength

With 100,000+ barbells sold since 1980, Texas Power Bars are trusted everywhere strength is earned — from home gyms and garages to Division I weight rooms and world competition platforms.

Record-Breaking Legacy > Everything Else

Every bar is a piece of strength history, built with the same attention to detail established over four decades ago by powerlifting founder Buddy Capps — while others have come and gone.

This Is the Texas Way

Backed by Texas-based support and industry leading warranty. When you reach out, you’ll speak with a real strength expert right here in the Lone Star State via our Contact Us page — because we stand behind our craftsmanship and know how our bars perform under pressure.

FSA / HSA Eligible

Smash PRs, not your wallet. Use pre-tax dollars to save up to 30% off Texas Power Bars strength equipment. Eligible for FSA and HSA funds, making it easier to invest in high-quality home gym strength equipment built to last.

Start Strong.

Stop struggling with equipment that is too heavy or too thick. The Texas Starting Strength 15kg Bar is the reliable partner you need to learn the lifts safely and effectively.

What Customers Are Saying

Read all real lifter reviews here →

“Bought this for my wife to start the program. The 25mm shaft was a game changer for her deadlift.”
“Perfect for my teenage son. Real steel feel, just lighter.”
“The fine knurling is so comfortable for high rep technique work.”
“Fits my power rack perfectly. A must-have for teaching the lifts.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a "Women's Bar"?
While the 25mm diameter and 15kg weight match the specs of a standard Women's Olympic Bar, this bar is designed for anyone who needs a lighter starting point—youth, beginners, or rehab patients following the NLP.

Will it fit my Power Rack?
Yes. Despite the shorter overall length (78.5"), the distance between the inside collars is compatible with standard power racks. (Always measure your rack to be sure, but it fits standard ~48" width racks).

Why only Bare Steel?
Bare steel provides the most authentic grip feel. There is no plating to fill in the knurling or create a slippery surface, which is crucial when learning proper grip mechanics.

Can I drop this bar?
This bar uses bronze bushings and strong steel, so it can handle controlled drops (like a Power Clean) on a platform with bumper plates. However, it is not a dedicated bearing bar for competitive Olympic Weightlifting.

What is the difference between this and the 20kg version?
This bar is lighter (33lbs vs 44lbs), thinner (25mm vs 28.5mm), and shorter (78.5" vs 86"). It is designed for those who cannot yet effectively train with the full 20kg bar.

Ready for Heavy Weight?

If you are already lifting heavier loads and want the standard size bar, check out the full-size 20kg Texas Starting Strength Bar.

Related Texas Power Bars

Other Texas equipment, accessories, & apparel

Complete your gym with official Texas Power Bars gear. From Texas magnetic collars and bar cleaning brushes to official shirts, hats, and gym banners, we have everything you need to support your strength training.

Shop All Texas Gear & Accessories →

Proof On The Platform

More Records Broken Than Any Other Bar In History

Thousands of state, national, international, and world powerlifting records have been and continue to be set and broken on Texas Power Bars. Here are just a few...

Just A Few Iconic Records Broken On Texas Power Bars

•1985 Fred Hatfield 1002lbs Squat
•2007 Charles Bailey 1102lbs Squat
•2016 Tiny Meeker 1102lbs Bench Press
•2016 Yuri Belkin 992lbs Deadlift at GPA World championship in Moscow
•2017 Joseph Pena 1025lbs Squat at Texas High School championships.
•1994 Mark Hanlon and 8X Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman pulled 800lbs deadlift with the Texas Power Bar.

World Powerlifting Championships

•2010-2011 United States 🇺🇸
•2012 Argentina 🇦🇷
•2013 Finland 🇫🇮
•2014 Australia 🇦🇺
•2015 United States 🇺🇸
•2016 Russia 🇷🇺
•2017 Argentina 🇦🇷
•2025 Argentina 🇦🇷

We Created The Industry & Everyone Else Followed

•1984 World Championship (Dallas, TX)
•1981 Senior Nationals
•1982 Nationals
•1983 Teenage and Collegiate Nationals
•1984 High School Nationals, Women's Nationals, Junior Worlds

33LB / 15 KG | Fine Knurling

Starting Strength Bar 15KG

Ideal for all ages & strength levels.

The Starting Strength bar lineup was designed in 2018 by Buddy Capps and Texas Power Bars at the request of Mark Rippetoe for Starting Strength Gyms. These bars are bare steel all the way, a comfortable 28.5 mm* in diameter with the best knurl in the industry. The collars on the SS bars were redesigned with a bigger (3.25”) **diameter, shorter overall length, which also increases the plate space. The collars and sleeves are machined to a near smooth finish. The shafts have a center knurl (20 kg only) and dual ring marks. The 3-bar lineup includes a 20 kg, a 15 kg, and 10 kg option for all ages and strength levels. A natural steel bar that will age gracefully with your gym, The Starting Strength Bar will be your favorite piece of equipment for decades.