Vulcan Energy at the moment presents three completely different energy bars; the Elite Energy Bar, the Vulcan Absolute Energy Bar, and the Stainless Metal Absolute Energy Bar. All three of those energy bars are what I’d think about to be premium items of apparatus, and whereas they definitely do have their share of similarities (as the vast majority of mainstream energy bars do), they’re all very distinctive certainly; every rivaling an excellent a lot of in the present day’s hottest energy bars.
So what makes these three Vulcan energy bars completely different? and which ones; if any of them; is the most suitable choice for you and/or your gymnasium?
On this assessment I’m going to cowl the technical specs of those energy bars, focus on the texture and efficiency variations between them, give my very own private opinion of every bar and what I consider them, and infrequently even evaluate them to different widespread energy bars that you could be be contemplating alongside these bars.
You could discover as you learn by this assessment that the Elite receives much more protection than the 2 Absolutes. That is just because I’ve already reviewed each of the present Absolute variants right here at Storage Gyms (these assessment hyperlinks will probably be supplied under.)
Vulcan Energy Bars Overview – Desk of Contents
- Overview Abstract – Black Oxide Vulcan Absolute V2.0
- Overview Abstract – Stainless Metal Vulcan Absolute V2.0
- Full Overview – The Vulcan Elite Energy Bar
- Elite Energy Bar – Specs
- Elite Energy Bar – Rotation
- Elite Energy Bar – Knurling
- Elite Shaft & End
- Pulling, Pushing, & Squatting with the Elite
- Vulcan Elite vs the Vulcan Absolute(s)
- Vulcan Energy Bar Overview Abstract
Abstract of the Black Oxide Vulcan Absolute V2.0
[see original Black Oxide Absolute review]
Essentially the most reasonably priced of all three Vulcan Energy Bars is the Absolute Energy Bar V2. Priced at simply $339, the Absolute is a 29 mm, 221,000 PSI energy bar with flawless knurl. It encompasses a black oxide shaft that properly compliments the grippy knurling, and a uniquely grooved flat-fin sleeve design that is itself completed in a beautiful and resilient dense chrome.
The Absolute V2.0 is hand’s down top-of-the-line energy bars in the marketplace; not only for the cash, however total. The power of the bar is far larger than common, the middle knurl is a bit toned down when in comparison with the outer knurl, and that outer knurl is aggressive and sharp with out being excessive. As I discussed in my assessment of the Absolute, the knurl is rather less coarse and painful than what’s discovered on the Ohio Energy Bar, and the middle knurl is a lot much less painful to again squat or energy clear with.
The Black Oxide Absolute has a 4.9-star score primarily based on 17 opinions. Actually I think about it to nonetheless be a 5-star assessment as a result of there are solely two 4-star scores in the entire listing. The primary complained that the tip cap doesn’t have the Vulcan eagle and the opposite was that the bar’s middle knurl wasn’t as aggressive because the outer regardless of it being extra aggressive than it even must be. These are usually not issues, because the Absolute is a phenomenal, inflexible, high-performance energy bar for not some huge cash. Hell the value even contains the transport.
By the way, the most recent batch of Vulcan Absolutes does have the Eagle artwork work on the tip caps! (see above Instagram picture). Ask and also you shall obtain, I suppose!
I completely advocate the Vulcan Absolute V2.0. It’s simply as a lot bar because the Ohio Energy Bar whereas being extra comfy to have within the palms, extra comfy to high-bar squat with, quieter to deadlift with, stronger, and if I’m being trustworthy, simply classier wanting. This bar is certainly a unbelievable piece of apparatus, and one which I’ll by no means half with.
Abstract of the Stainless Metal Vulcan Absolute V2.0
[see original Stainless Steel Absolute review]
At about $550, the SS Absolute isn’t fairly as reasonably priced as the usual Absolute, although it’s one hell of a premium energy bar. It sports activities an insane tensile power score of 240k PSI, a knurl almost as aggressive as an SS Ohio Energy Bar, and similar to its little brother it does have a barely much less aggressive middle knurl.
This bar is just about fully constructed from chrome steel. It’s not simply the shaft as per ordinary, but additionally the sleeves and bushings. This bar is grippy, inflexible, rustproof, and virtually indestructible. It received’t bend, deform, break, seize, or lose its attractiveness. There’s no slop within the sleeves, it’s not over-priced, and albeit it’s nearly as lovely as they arrive. For what it’s price I believe this can be a higher purchase than the Kabuki being that it’s stainless slightly than completed, priced $50-$100 much less (not the price of transport from KB), and comparable when it comes to the specs.
The SS variant solely has a few opinions, which surprises me as a result of I do know of a whole lot of of us who personal this bar and so they all find it irresistible (I do too.) It nonetheless has an ideal 5-star score, and I’d personally give it the identical 5-star score if I left product opinions wherever however right here.
Although the value isn’t unreasonable, the SS Absolute continues to be costly. I believe that this variant is a nicer bar total than the black oxide Absolute, and I do utterly advocate it, however don’t assume twice about going with the less-costly Black Oxide Absolute in case your funds doesn’t will let you drop $550 on a brand new bar. Simply know which you can’t go flawed with both model; they’re each unimaginable bars at honest costs.
The Vulcan Elite Energy Bar Overview
Now that now we have summarized the opinions for each of the Absolutes, let’s flip to the Vulcan Elite; essentially the most intensely knurled energy bar that I’ve ever put my palms on.
Vulcan Elite Energy Bar – Specs
- 20 kg energy bar
- 29 mm shaft diameter
- 196k PSI metal shaft
- zero elasticity
- black zinc-finished shaft
- vivid zinc-finished sleeves
- tremendous aggressive outer knurling
- tremendous aggressive 4″ middle knurl
- Oilite sintered bronze bushings
- 16″ loadable sleeve size
- made within the USA
- lifetime guarantee
- $369 delivered
Vulcan Elite Energy Bar Overview – Rotation
The Vulcan Elite is the one Vulcan energy bar (and one of many few energy bars amongst energy bars) to make use of Oilite branded bushings. Oilite bushings are principally only a premium model of the bronze bushing. We don’t see them getting used all that always as a result of they’re typically solely present in USA-made bars and only a few bars outdoors of Rogue’s and American Barbell’s bars are made within the USA (neither of which use Oilite bushings by the best way).
So does this matter? Properly sure and no. Oilite bushings are sintered; that means they’re porous and self-lubricating. That’s, they retailer extra lubrication inside the bushing, and so they’ll retain that lubrication for longer. All this simply equates to a extra dependable spin and fewer upkeep for you, the proprietor. So in that sense using Oilite bushings do matter.
The place it doesn’t matter is that we’re speaking a few energy bar right here; a bar that doesn’t want a bunch of spin. For those who’re not pushing enormous weights you in all probability received’t discover the distinction in efficiency. Even if you’re you in all probability nonetheless received’t discover until you’re energy cleansing or one thing. Nonetheless, I personally choose a sintered bushing. I strongly consider that they’re the primary cause the unique York B&R bar continues to be most well-liked to the present B&R.
Vulcan Elite Energy Bar Overview – Knurling
I child you not, the knurling on this bar is insane. It’s by far the sharpest bar in my assortment. This bar ought to in all probability be an auto-buy in the event you don’t assume that your present Texas Energy or Ohio Energy Bar is aggressive sufficient, as I don’t know of some other bar with this a lot chew.
For those who love an excellent aggressive knurl from sleeve to shining sleeve, then I’ve received much more excellent news for you. The middle knurl of the Elite is simply as aggressive because the outer knurling. That’s proper, this bar not solely sticks to your palms, but additionally to your again! (and your throat if you’re courageous sufficient to go ham on some energy cleans.)
A bar with shark tooth could also be interesting to some, however I don’t assume that almost all of lifters are searching for a bar this aggressive. Except the palms of your palms are only one massive callus (otherwise you need them to be) I wouldn’t precisely advocate this bar to you. It’s a good match for a small sect of powerlifters who’re into knurling this intense, however the common gymnasium rat goes to seek out the Elite to be a bit further.
Severely, if you’re not already into an excellent aggressive knurl then this bar is just not for you. The knurling of the Vulcan Elite is not refined.
Vulcan Elite Energy Bar Overview – the Shaft
The Elite has a median tensile power score; decrease than each of the Absolutes and decrease than all variations of the Ohio Energy Bar; but by some means it has one of many stiffest shafts within the trade. The Elite has zero flex at low-to-moderate weights and nonetheless near no flex at even heavy weights. It’s actually phenomenal how stiff this bar stays even when loaded to the hilt.
The shaft is completed in black zinc; which due to the slickness of black zinc in comparison with different finishes is usually my least favourite end. Nonetheless, because the Elite is so aggressive, I’m far much less bothered by way of black zinc on the shaft and I’m simply grateful that it was not used on the sleeves (black zinc chips simply from the loading/unloading of plates.)
My Expertise…
…pulling with the Elite
Chalk is pointless. It makes no distinction because the factors of the knurl actually dig into the palm of your palms. For those who don’t pull with a deadlift bar like I usually do then the Elite is definitely a stable energy bar possibility. It has a grip like no different energy bar that I personal.
I didn’t thoughts non-deadlift pulls with the Elite (like barbell rows). The uber-aggressiveness of the knurl isn’t almost as uncomfortable as it may be for deadlifts (particularly for reps); being that the load isn’t as excessive. In fact, heavier rows and lengthy units would possibly begin to really feel a bit bit uncomfortable.
…squatting with the Elite
I high-bar squat so I wasn’t a fan. I don’t even just like the Rogue Ohio Energy Bar for squats so there was just about no probability I used to be going to favor the Elite over any of my favourite bars when it got here to squats (I truly squat with a Mammoth).
That stated, low-bar squatters would possibly truly like all the additional grip of the Elite’s middle, and never discover it any extra uncomfortable than their present Ohio, Texas, Kabuki, or Eleiko energy bars.
…bench urgent with the Elite
I favored how safe the Elite felt within the palms. Heavy singles are nice with the Elite since you’re not holding on to the bar lengthy sufficient for it to begin to damage, and damage is does if you’re repping something remotely heavy.
I discovered that longer units at something past about 225 turns into uncomfortable; to the purpose of virtually being painful; and nearly any urgent set you do will depart a giant imprint of the bar’s knurl in your palms.
As a lot as I favored the Elite for shorter, heavier units, we don’t press 100% of our max each time we bench (nicely, I don’t anyway.) I don’t know that I’d need this to be my solely energy bar even when I prefer it for all different lifts.
It must be famous that I’m not afraid of an aggressive bar. I truly actually like a little bit of depth to my knurl. That stated, I nonetheless acknowledge the intense nature of the Elite’s knurling. It’s a nice bar for many who can respect this degree of sharpness, however that’s definitely not all people.
Vulcan Elite vs the Vulcan Absolutes
Properly it’s secure to say that the Elite is its personal bar when in comparison with the 2 Absolute Energy Bars. All three Vulcan energy bars could also be aggressively knurled, excessive power, and premium however the Elite definitely has a novel really feel to it. It’s its personal bar 100% because of the knurl depth and sharpness.
I have a tendency to think about the Elite as extra of a distinct segment energy bar; an amped up model of what can be thought-about regular for energy bar knurling. It’s type of like how the American Barbell bars just like the Mammoth and Grizzly are toned down energy bars when it comes to their knurling. It’s good that these choices exist as a result of one measurement undoubtedly doesn’t match all, however relating to the Vulcan Elite I consider this bar will enchantment to a a lot smaller viewers than the mildly knurled energy bars from American Barbell do.
It’s okay although, as a result of for these of you who aren’t searching for a mildly knurled energy bar I actually consider that the Absolutes are the best way to go. I personally choose both of my Absolute Bars to the Ohio Energy Bar due to how aggressive the Ohios middle knurl is, and I just like the knurling of the Absolutes greater than I just like the Texas Bar knurling; although I’ll admit that it’s a detailed name relating to the Texas Energy Bar.
Vulcan Energy Bar Overview & Comparability – Abstract
I’ve actually no issues getting behind any of those energy bars. Like I stated, I do consider that the Vulcan Elite caters to a really particular viewers, however I nonetheless assume that it’s a unbelievable bar for that individual viewers. Sure it’s a bit a lot for my tastes, however I nonetheless acknowledge it as a stable piece of apparatus.
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