MG-1 Multi Grip Bar 2.0

The newly redesigned, fully-welded Rogue MG-1 is one of the few multi-grip or Swiss bars in the industry with knurled handles. For powerlifters and other athletes looking to train a neutral grip for increased explosive strength—or to reduce stress on the shoulders—this versatile bar is a must-have addition to your arsenal. With Version 2.0 of the Rogue Multi Grip Bar, we’ve introduced several new upgrades and features. First and foremost, all six handles now include knurling for an improved grip. We’ve also expanded the handle spacing by a half inch. What hasn’t changed is the MG-1’s quality steel construction—made in the USA—and its compatibility with most standard power racks and Oly plates.

Buying guide

Best Barbell for Your Home Gym — July 2026

What is a Barbell?

What a barbell is

The barbell is the center of a strength gym — the bar you squat, press, deadlift, and clean with. A men’s Olympic bar is 20 kg (44 lb) and 7.2 ft long (15 kg / 6.5 ft for women). The specs that matter: knurl (the grip texture — aggressive for pulls, milder for high-rep work), shaft diameter (28–29 mm for barbell lifts), sleeve rotation (bushings are fine for slow lifts; bearings spin fast for the Olympic lifts), tensile strength (~190k+ PSI resists bending), and coating (bare steel grips best but rusts; stainless and Cerakote trade grip for corrosion resistance).

Which one to buy

For general lifting, a multipurpose bar (28–28.5mm shaft, dual knurl marks, no center knurl) does squats, bench, deadlifts, and the occasional clean off one bar — this is the right first barbell for most home gyms. Choose a dedicated power bar (29mm, stiffer, aggressive center-knurl grip) only once you know you’re training squat/bench/deadlift specifically and want the stiffest, grippiest tool for that job. A dedicated Olympic weightlifting bar (needle bearings, more whip) is worth it only if you clean, snatch, or jerk regularly.

Beyond your main bar, specialty bars solve specific problems rather than replacing it: a safety squat bar shifts load off sore shoulders, a trap/hex bar takes stress off a cranky lower back on pulls, and a curl bar’s camber reduces wrist strain on isolation work. Add them once you know which problem you actually have.