XMark Lumberjack 7 Olympic Bar Review: Barbell Comparison

You don't need to go to a gym to achieve an excellent workout. With the right gym equipment from the right brand, you can go further than you thought possible in your fitness journey.

In this review, we'll be discussing a strength-training staple to help kick-start your fitness journey: the Olympic bar. In particular, we'll be deep-diving into the brand XMark, analyzing its pros and cons to help you decide whether it could very well be your new fitness partner.

Quality Material/Durability

Because of the high-quality materials used, XMark Olympic bards are incredibly durable. This means a one-off purchase could (almost) last you a lifetime, provided you treat it with care.

Flexibility

There's no need to have a separate "squat bar," "push press bar," and other equipment for different exercises. XMark offers a multi-purpose Olympic bar that can satisfy a large part of your workout's needs.

Brand Reliability

When it comes to reliability, XMark is almost unbeatable. They produce safe, durable, and unique workout equipment that sets it apart for excellence in the fitness industry.

XMark is so widely trusted and loved that if you've been to a gym, the chances are that you've seen or used XMark equipment.

Superior, Firm Grip

No one likes the bar slipping from your fingers just as you're about to ace your personal best. For that reason, XMark has designed an Olympic bar that supports a superior and firm grip. It does this through a unique coating and comfortable knurling that doesn't leave your hands raw after use.

Affordability

Olympic bars can be pricey, but we feel XMark occupies a sweet mid spot in the market - not too expensive so that only the super-rich can afford or too cheap, so they have to sacrifice quality.

Maintenance-Free Dual Snap Ring System

This feature focuses on stability and safety. A maintenance-free dual snap ring system helps the bar rotate as you perform specific workouts. This is an ideal system for home gym equipment as it is less costly than the bearing alternative you may find in traditional gyms.

Great Warranty

The XMark bar has a 9-month in-house warranty for those of us in Canada and the US. So long as you take care of it (we'll tell you how below), you can expect your warranty to cover any faults or damages.

You can check our further details of XMark's generous warranty here.


XMark Lumberjack 7' Olympic Bar Reviewed

Product Specifications

Size

Length = 7'

Diameter = 28 mm

Sleeve Length = 16.5"

Material

Heated alloy Steel shaft; chrome sleeves

Bar Weight

19.5 kg

Knurl marks

Dual spec IWF and IPF semi-aggressive knurling; no center knurling

Shaft Coating

Black Manganese Phosphate

Bar Use

Cross Training, Olympic and Powerlifting training

For an Olympic bar with versatility, durability, affordability, safety, quality, and other commendable features infused in one, look no further than the XMark Lumberjack men's Olympic bar.

As with all of XMark products, the quality of materials is evident, and as always, high-quality goes hand-in-hand with durability. With its superior choice of materials, including the black manganese phosphate shaft coating, you can expect this bar to last for a lifetime.

This coating helps ward off excessive rusting, wear, and tear when handling a workout bar. In fact, we know someone who stores this bar in his damp basement and hasn't found any sign of rust. Trust XMark to show nature who's boss.

We love how easy it is to switch to different routines in the same workout with this bar. From a squat to a push press in a split second, drastically reducing downtimes and helping you feel that burn in your muscles.

This XMark Lumberjack men's Olympic bar will get you excited for each workout session. With its superior and firm grip, you can be sure that it will remain in your hands and not slip off from start to finish!

This XMark bar is also effortless to maintain. With a little 3-in-1 oil to wipe it down, you're good to go!

Remember, if you want a mix of versatility, durability, affordability, safety, quality, and everything else, XMark's the spot!

Pros

  • High-quality shaft coating
  • Flexible and versatile
  • Unbeatable abrasion and corrosion protection
  • Medium-aggressive knurling
  • Durable and affordable

Cons

  • Coating can rust if not kept dry
  • Chrome plating susceptible to chipping

Comparing XMark With Similar Olympic Bar Brands

This review won't be complete if we don't see how the XMark bar performs against its competitors.

CAP 7-Foot

CAP Barbell THE BEAST Olympic Bar | For...
  • Specs - 110, 000 Psi tensile strength...
  • Construction: Built from solid cold rolled...
  • Features – The sleeves are designed with...
  • Durable: Original bar is made of steel, black...

CAP is a reputable name in the fitness industry. For over 30 years, CAP continues to boast of affordable, safe, and easy-to-use gym equipment. So, we can only expect that they did an excellent job with their 7-foot bar.

As expected, they offer an outstanding option, and for the most part, you won't be disappointed. In fact, this bar is excellent for expert strength-trainers and can even help beginners level up along their fitness journey.

Unfortunately, it doesn't feature any knurling to assist with your grip, which can be problematic for some. Those who choose the CAP bar would probably need to use weight lifting gloves or wrist wraps and make sure they are lifting on a mat in case of any accidents.

If you enjoy the security that comes with a good grip, XMark is the better option.


Rogue Olympic Weightlifting Bar

This Rogue Olympic weightlifting bar is not your regular Olympic bar. Like XMark, it is made from high-quality materials and has some impressive features, but it costs a pretty penny; you'll see why soon enough.

Unlike other Olympic bars, Rogue Fitness' bar has a classy and more refined look and feel. Its knurling is aggressive enough to give you a good grip, but not too much that can peel your skin off. The best feature, however, is that this bar comes with a lifetime warranty.

This Rogue Fitness bar is arguably an upgrade from XMark, but at almost 5 times the cost, we have to question if it is worth it. Still, if you have a huge budget and you like the more refined look from Rogue, then you've found your match.

For a more affordable option, stick with XMark.


Yaheetech Olympic 7

Yaheetech 7- Foot Olympic Bar Barbell w/Two...
  • Specifications: Total Length: 86inch; Grip...
  • Durable Metal Construction: The Olympic...
  • Non-slip Knurling Design: This bar features a...
  • Versatile Use: This chrome Olympic barbell is...

At an entry-level price point, we feel this bar from Yaheetech is more suited to beginners. Perfect for those not sure if Olympic weightlifting is for them.

Naturally, at such an affordable price, it is less durable than the XMark. This makes the Yaheetech unsuitable for Crossfit and Olympic lifts. We are unsure how the Yaheetech would stand up to the impact from dropping, unlike other high-quality bars like XMark.

Another downside is that the Yaheetech Olympic 7 is prone to corrosion, especially if you store it outside or in damp places. Still, it's an excellent choice for a low budget. You can use this bar to kick off your strength-training fitness journey and level up along the way!


Weight Training Exercises on The XMark Lumberjack Olympic Bar

Cross-Training

Cross-training trains athletes or individuals to improve their all-round fitness. If you're looking for a full-body workout, try cross-training with your XMark Lumberjack 7 Olympic bar.

Cross-training involves a mix of strength-training, aerobic, and flexibility exercises, usually in short but intense bursts. Your XMark bar will come in handy during the strength-training sessions. You can also get creative and add some weights during your aerobics sessions.

Typical cross-training exercises include:

  • Squats: Focus on your glutes, thighs, and abs.
  • Lunges: Focus on your thighs and glutes.
  • Floor Press: Focus on your chest and arms.
Olympic-Training

If you're shooting for gold, Olympic training with an Olympic bar is an obvious choice. And while you don't have to have your sights set on the actual Olympics, being in that mindset is a great way to keep motivated.

Typical Olympic routines could include:

  • Push Press: Focus on your biceps, triceps, quadriceps, shoulder, and chest.
  • Pulls (Clean Pull and Snatch Pull): Focus on your hamstrings, lats, and biceps.
  • Position Drills: Focus on your biceps, triceps, quadriceps, calves, abs, glutes, hamstrings, shoulders, and hip flexors.
Powerlifting Routines

This type of exercise is not for the faint-hearted and best left to more experienced weightlifters. People who participate in powerlifting primarily care about lifting as much as they can. Here are a few Powerlifting exercises you can do with your XMark bar:

  • Back squat: Focus on your hamstrings, quadriceps, glutes, lats, and posterior shoulder.
  • Deadlift: Focus on your inner thigh, glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, and lats.
  • Pull-Ups: Focus on all your back muscles.

How Can I Set Up My Lumberjack Bar And Use It Safely?

Depending on how you intend to use your bar, you may want to invest in a rack (or cage), which can be used for squats. At the very least, you should invest in a high-quality mat to protect your flooring and the weights from damage.

When using this Olympic bar, take caution and prevent it from roughly brushing against your shins or other body parts. As with any form of heavy weightlifting, take it easy, and always work with a spotter when possible.


People Also Ask (FAQs)

Is this fitness equipment safe?

The XMark Lumberjack is generally safe, as long as you use it properly. Take your time to get accustomed to the equipment before rushing in.

The knurling is medium aggressive and can peel off some of your skin, so you may decide to use gloves or wrist wraps for added comfort.

Do XMark weight bars come with a warranty?

Yes! They come with a 90-day in-home warranty, but this only applies to specific locations: Canada and the US. Note that the warranty doesn't include bushings, expendable parts (like finish), and wear and tear.

How much weight can the XMark lumberjack Olympic bar hold?

The XMark Lumberjack Olympic bar can hold a maximum of 700 lbs.

Where's the best place to buy these Olympic bars?

The best places to buy Olympic bars are the brand's website and Amazon. There are so many advantages of buying from Amazon or directly from the brand. You can be sure of your warranty and the fact that your equipment will arrive in tiptop shape.


Conclusion

On Sale Today
XMARK LUMBERJACK OB86 7’ Weight Bar,...
  • 7’ Olympic bar with moderate flex ideal for...
  • Medium depth knurling with IWF & IPF marks...
  • Chrome sleeves, brass bushings, durable 28 mm...
  • Easily protect your investment by wiping down...

Still skeptical about investing in an XMark Lumberjack? You shouldn't be. XMark products are an excellent investment for any home gym. While there are cheaper alternatives on the market – you often get what you pay for.

Last Updated on April 10, 2023