The "Original" Texas Power Bar

Why The “Original” Texas Power Bar

The most iconic powerlifting barbell of all time — the revolutionary bar created in 1980 by powerlifter Buddy Capps. Known for its aggressive knurling, unyielding stiffness, and unmatched durability, the Original Texas Power Bar has set more world powerlifting records than any other bar in history — and continues to stand the test of time. Handbuilt in Texas from a 44lbs / 20kg, 28.5mm diameter shaft forged with 190K PSI tensile strength steel, the bar features maintenance-free bronze bushings, a 4" center knurl for reliable squat grip, 15" loadable sleeves, single knurl marks, and measures 86" in length. Backed by industry-leading warranties and proudly carrying the founder and former powerlifter Buddy Capps’ legendary stamp of approval. 

Upgrade Option – For those seeking modern federation compliance and an even stiffer build, check out the (7th Gen 29mm) Texas Power Bar, featuring 200,000 PSI steel and dimensions to meet IPL & USPA competition-specs. 

Maximize Your Powerlifts – Classic Choice For Multiple Powerlifting Movements Like Squat, Bench, Deadlift, & More

Home & Garage Gyms: For men and women who refuse to settle, every training day is a chance to hit something bigger. This bar delivers the feel, confidence, and longevity you need to keep stacking PRs year after year.

Powerlifting Gyms: In rooms where strength is everything and progress is the only goal, this bar has earned its place for decades. From heavy cycles to max-out days, it’s the trusted standard for lifters chasing their next breakthrough.

Competition Platforms: The bar that has set more powerlifting records—by men and women—than any other in history. When the lights are on and every pound matters, its stiffness, grip, and consistency deliver when you need it most.

College & Pro Weight Rooms: For athletes training to be stronger than yesterday, this bar thrives in the most demanding programs. Built to handle constant intensity, it’s the tool for relentless progression.

Military & First Responders: Strength isn’t optional—it’s a requirement. When your training is about more than numbers and you can’t afford equipment failure, this bar holds up through every grind and every PR that matters.

Engineered To Be The Industry Gold Standard For Powerlifting Bars

Shaft Diameter: 28.5mm – ideal for max stiffness and control during low-rep, high-load powerlifting movements.

Tensile Strength: 190K PSI steel – forged to resist whip or bending under max loads, ensuring consistent performance for PR attempts.

Weight: 44 lbs / 20 kg – standard competition-ready weight for heavy lifting.

Length: 86 inches – optimized for squat, bench, and deadlift mechanics under max effort.

Loadable Sleeves: 15" – ample space for heavy plates while maintaining a balanced feel for max-effort lifts.

Knurling: Aggressive – includes a 4" center knurl for locked-in squat positioning and our unmatched iconic grip.

Knurl Marks: Single – designed for precision control and powerlifting alignment.

Bushings: Maintenance-free bronze – smooth, durable spin built to last decades of heavy lifting.

User Inclusivity: Built for all male and female lifters pursuing low-rep, high-load, max-effort lifts.

Built With 1 Goal In Mind, To Outperform & Outlast Other Bars

45+ years of building the most iconic powerlifting bars by hand in Texas — with relentless grip, maximum stiffness, and unbreakable durability. No BS. A deeply rooted legacy of being the best powerlifting barbell — outperforming and outlasting other bars as the industry’s gold standard since 1980, and setting more powerlifting records than any other bar in history. Forged to smash PRs, from basements and garages to National and World Powerlifting Federation platforms.

Bar Weight: 20KG/44LB

Sleeve Type: Bare Steel, Chrome

Center Knurl: 4"

Min. Tensile Strength: 190k

Bar Length: 86"

Knurling: Aggressive Knurling

Do Texas Power Bars come with a warranty?
All Texas Power Bars products manufactured by Capps Welding Inc. have a lifetime warranty on craftsmanship.  Our bars have a limited lifetime warranty against bending for the original owner under normal use. We do not warrant any item that has been abused, neglected or dumped on rack pins, safety bars, straps, boxes et al. Bushings and bearings will wear over time. If a bushing or bearing should fail/break under normal use this is covered under our warranty for 5 years.  

Any bar shaft that is bent will be handled on a case by case basis and the replacement will be at the sole discretion of Capps Welding Inc. 

The original customer may ship a bar back for inspection after written authorization is provided.  

How should I maintain my barbell to ensure it lasts a lifetime?
Wipe down the shaft and sleeves with a dry cloth after training to remove chalk and sweat. For deeper cleaning, use a stiff nylon brush on the knurling. Lightly oil the sleeves every few months if needed.

Can I use chalk, straps, or liquid grip with my bar?
Yes. Chalk, straps, and liquid grip are all safe to use and won’t void your warranty. We recommend brushing excess chalk out of the knurling regularly.

What’s the best way to clean the knurling and sleeves?
Use a stiff nylon brush to loosen chalk and dirt. Avoid wire brushes, as they can damage the finish. For sleeves, wipe with a dry or lightly oiled cloth.

Will my barbell ever need oiling or lubrication?
Our bronze bushings are self-lubricating and require very little maintenance. Occasionally wiping the sleeves with a cloth and a few drops of light oil will keep them moving smoothly.

Are Texas Power Bars safe to store in a garage or outdoors?
Yes, but keep in mind that extreme humidity or rain exposure can cause surface rust. If storing in a garage, occasional cleaning and oiling will help prevent rust. We don’t recommend outdoor storage without protection.

How long will the knurling stay sharp?
Texas Power Bars are known for their aggressive, long-lasting knurling. With regular use and proper care, the knurling will maintain its bite for decades.

Can my barbell handle dropping with bumper plates?
Yes. Texas Power Bars are built to withstand heavy drops with bumper plates, but they are not designed for repeated drops on bare steel plates or on hard surfaces without protective flooring.

Do the sleeves spin, and what type of bushing system do you use?
Yes. All Texas Power Bars use self-lubricating bronze bushings for a reliable, smooth sleeve rotation without the maintenance needs of needle bearings.

Are these bars approved for competition use?
Yes. The Original Texas Power Bar and Texas Deadlift Bar are widely approved and trusted in federations including IPF, USAPL, and many others.

Order & Shipping Questions

How long will it take to receive my bar after I place an order?
Depends on what you are ordered. Stock vs Colors. Most orders ship within 3–5 business days, depending on time of the year. Delivery time depends on your location, but most U.S. customers receive their bars within 7–14 business days. Happy to check on a order, just contact us.

Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we ship worldwide. Shipping rates and delivery times vary by region and will be calculated at checkout.

How much does shipping cost?
Most have flat fee shipping in the US besides Hawaii and Alaska. Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on your location and chosen shipping method. We work hard to keep shipping prices as low as possible.

Will my barbell come fully assembled?
Yes. Your bar arrives ready to lift straight out of the tube.

How is my bar packaged to prevent damage during shipping?
Every bar ships in a heavy-duty cardboard tube with strong end caps to protect the bar and sleeves during transit.

Can I track my order after purchase?
Yes. Once your bar ships, you’ll receive a tracking number via email.

What happens if my bar arrives damaged?
If your order arrives damaged, contact us immediately with photos of the packaging and bar. We’ll make it right with a replacement or repair.

Can I change or cancel my order after it’s placed?
Orders can be changed or canceled within few hours of purchase. After that window, we may not be able to stop the shipment. Contact our customer service team as soon as possible if you need assistance.

Do you accept returns or exchanges?
Yes. We accept returns within 30 days of delivery if the bar is unused and in original condition. Return shipping costs may apply.

What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards, PayPal, and select financing options (if offered at checkout).