+
+
+
+
We’re proud of our Texas roots, and the Austin Bar embodies everything it means to be "Texas tough." Built to be a workhorse, the Austin Bar is designed with a moderate flex, making it perfect for cross-training, powerlifting, or Olympic lifting.
The aerospace grade bushing strike a balance between the high spin needed for dynamic lifts and the stability required for heavy, controlled movements like squats or presses. This makes them perfect for lifters who engage in a variety of training styles. We wanted to design a barbell that feels at home in your hands, and we believe we nailed it with the Austin Bar.
Engineered with durability in mind, the Austin bar features a Stainless Steel and Gun Metal finish options that are extremely resistant to rust, especially in more humid climates. They also retain chalk very well, so you won't have to be running to the chalk bucket in between sets.
Medium volcano knurling offers the perfect grip — secure enough for heavy lifts but gentle enough for high-rep sessions.
Not only do these sleeves look badass, but they’re also durable, staying scratch-free even after years of plate loading. The chrome finish resists scratches, dents, and wear, ensuring your bar looks brand new for years to come. This robust design protects the sleeves from chipping or flaking, unlike traditional coatings, maintaining their sleek, professional aesthetic.
Length
86"
Material & Finish
Cerakote Shaft with Blue Chrome Sleeves | Stainless Steel shaft with Stainless Steel Sleeves
Weight
20 Kilograms / 44lbs
Weight Capacity
1,600lbs
Shaft Diameter
28.5mm
Sleeve Length
16"
Knurl
Medium Volcano Knurling with IWF & IPF Dual Ring Marks
Center Knurling?
Yes
Spin
Moderate
Whip
Moderate
Collar Type
Aerospace Grade Bushings
Tensile Strength
190,000 PSI
Yield Strength
160,000 PSI
Warranty
Lifetime warranty against manufacturing defect
Product ID
8964
Aerospace-grade bushings makes them resistant to wear and tear, ensuring longevity even with frequent use. Unlike bearings, which require regular cleaning and lubrication, bushings have self-lubricating properties that reduce the need for constant upkeep, making them an ideal choice for those who prioritize hassle-free equipment.
The volcano-style knurling features a grid of small, cone-shaped indentations designed to maximize surface area contact with your hands.
Compared to more aggressive knurling patterns (e.g., diamond or sharp knurling), the medium volcano style is less abrasive. This reduces the likelihood of skin tears or excessive callus formation during high-volume sets or CrossFit-style workouts.
Our signature Austin, Texas metal end caps do not trap dirt or moisture like sticker end caps might, ensuring better barbell hygiene and longevity. They're designed to withstand the impact of repeated drops during heavy lifts, making them ideal for long-term use in high-performance environments.
INTRODUCING THE AUSTIN BAR
First of all this is a gorgeous bar. On top of that, I got it for an amazing price. FringeSport does not skimp on quality and this bar is no exception. I got the stainless steel option and it is amazing. The only issue that I have with the bar is that the knurling is the softest that I have felt. I own/use the Midas bar and the Wonder bar, both fantastic bars, but I was specifically looking for a bar that was stainless steel and then Austin bar was released. I was really excited about this. I researched it, looked at other makers to compare. I finally looked at description comparisons between FS bars themselves and decided that it seemed like it was probably the same knurling as the wonder bar, but the WB version that I have is powder coated which dulls the knurling. With that, I concluded that the Austin bar (without coating) should be at least the same or more aggressive knurling than the wonder bar. Unfortunately I was mistaken. The knurling on the Austin Bar is some of the softest that I have ever felt on any bar, no matter the coating. I might be wrong but when I purchased the bar, the description said Medium Aggressive Knurling, as I type this it now says Medium Knurling. Again, the bar is a beautiful bar, the stainless finish is magnificent. But the knurling is very very soft. To be fair, Fringe Sport specializes in cross fit and therefore the bar knurling tends to be on the softer side so it doesn’t rip up your hands, I get it. However I would love for Fringe Sport to make an all Stainless Steel bar with a more aggressive knurl. And to be honest, I can’t do the (hyper) aggressive knurling of some bars (looking at you Kabuki Strength!) because due to my job I wash my hands so much that I cannot keep calluses on them. Even so, I would definitely love to see an aggressive volcano knurl by FringeSport at some point. That’s a bar that I would definitely buy, as long as it’s done in stainless steel. Conclusion: this is a great, well crafted bar, BUT the knurling is very soft just so you know what you are in for when you buy it.
Look, I’m not a barbell expert. I’m just a guy nearing the end of Starting Strength’s Novice Linear Progression, trying to stack plates and not mess it up. But this bar? It feels exactly right for where I’m at. The knurling is grippy without being harsh. The spin is smooth but not sloppy. And the end caps? Don’t even get me started. They’re so good they might trigger time travel—every time I load the bar, I wish I could jump back and start lifting heavier yesterday. It’s a small detail, but it matters. I want to like what I see when I load the bar, and this one delivers. Also, shoutout to the Nov 14, 2024 Instagram Reel—made unboxing easy for someone who’s not exactly handy. I got the bar out clean, and it looked perfect. If you’re like me—not a gearhead, just looking for something reliable that feels right—this bar deserves a serious look. I’d buy it again in a heartbeat.
If I needed to stock a gym with high quality barbells this is the one i would pick. It leaves nothing to be desired. Everything about it is perfectly adequite for thr price point. The warrenty gives it a high value. The knurl is consistent and mild. The center knurl increases its utility. The bushings are very smooth. Beautiful barbell for the price, and for stainless, you probably cant find a sweeter deal.
I’ve been using the Fringe Sport Austin Barbell for a while now, and it has exceeded all expectations. The build quality is top-tier — the finish is not only sleek but also incredibly durable, resisting chips and corrosion even with regular use. What really stands out is the knurling: it strikes the perfect balance — grippy enough for heavy lifts without tearing up your hands. Plus, the center knurl makes this bar versatile for everything from Olympic lifts to squats and presses. It’s rare to find a bar that works this well across all major lifts. And honestly, you can’t beat the price for the level of quality you’re getting. It performs like a premium barbell but without the premium price tag. Whether you’re outfitting a home gym or upgrading your current setup, this bar is a no-brainer.
Great communication, great shipping, was my first order with Fringe and will be back! Great company to deal with. A+++
Required By California Law - WARNING: This product may have materials, which are known to the State Of California, that can cause Cancer and Reproductive Harm. For more information, California Prop 65: https://www.p65warnings.ca.gov/
