This beast of a bar is a game changer. I love it! First and foremost, it adds versatility to my workouts, especially by how much it challenges my grip and forearms. The day I got it, I started incorporating it into my workouts for all my major lifts and noticed it makes the weight seem heavier because I’m using different muscles that I’m not used to when doing familiar movements, which is fun. This is what I was looking for in a specialty bar; it doesn't replace my daily driver, but it can be used in every workout to get something new and different out of it.
The knurling (which I’d rate at standard/passive knurling) is both aesthetically pleasing and serves to better keep a good grip when you start hitting higher rep volume. The weights slide on the smooth sleeves almost silently, so it doesn’t make that ribbed sleeve zipping noise that other barbells do, which is nice. It’s a great bar. The price is so good, too. No buyer’s remorse on this one.
Also, a huge bonus: the delivery was surprisingly cheap (in a very positive way) and rapid. Within 48 hours it was at the doorstep.
Lastly, I always tell my wife this when she says I don’t “need” another bar: the real investment is in your health. If this axle bar makes you excited to work out and the thought of using it drives you to get up at 0430 on a cold rainy Monday morning and get in an hour of heavy lifting before starting the rest of your week, then it’s worth the investment.