⭐️ Best for Shiny Weightlifting: 84/100
The Kingsbox The C-Bar (henceforth referred to as simply the “C-Bar” is one of the company’s mid-to-higher end offerings.
Marketed as an Olympic Weightlifting Bar, it lives up to this billing. As novel as the colorful coating looks, the C-Bar is a pretty serious lifting barbell.
Kingsbox is a very Euro-focused company and their equipment can be difficult to find in other parts of the world, but if you’re able to get your hands on one, you’ll likely be satisfied with your purchase.
Pros
Ideal for Olympic weightlifting
Beautiful and resilient coating
Excellent company customer service
Cons
Not an excellent warranty
Coating is aggressive for larger sets
Not the most inexpensive barbell
KingsBox is one of my favorite fitness companies and is probably my favorite European-based fitness company. If you’re not familiar with them, imagine a much smaller and more subtle version of Rogue.
I have had the opportunity to use many of different KingsBox products over the last few years, to include a few different barbells. Currently, my primary training barbell is the company’s The C-bar.
The C-bar has quickly become one of my favorite bars to lift with and I perform my Olympic lifts (and the occasional CrossFit metcon) with it multiple times each week.
If you’re starting to get serious about Olympic weightlifting, but aren’t quite ready to spend close to a thousand dollars on a barbell, the C-bar is an excellent compromise.
Table of Contents
Sport-specific Functionality
The Kingsbox C-bar is explicitly marketed as an Olympic lifting barbell. Because of this, we are classifying it as an Oly bar and not as a more of a multi-purpose bar or as a CrossFit bar.
In some cases, equipment companies use the term “Olympic lifting barbell” to describe a wide range of bars. Much of the time, these are not the most appropriate bars to perform clean and jerks or snatches with.
In my experience, the C-bar is not one of “those” bars and is actually a very good bar to use for dedicated Olympic weightlifting.
I have been working with an Olympic weightlifting coach for close to two months now and have almost exclusively used the C-bar to complete my daily programming (comprised of Olympic lifts, accessory movements, and a lot of squatting!) Compared to other bars I was previously using, I am much more comfortable lifting with the C-bar.
The first thing I noticed, and continue to notice any time I lift with a different barbell, is how light and even nimble the bar feels. I think this is because of some type of deliberate barbell construction and more efficient distribution of weight throughout the bar. Whether this is actually the case or is only some type of placebo effect, I am always more confident approaching the bar, especially when the weights are starting to get heavy, knowing that it won’t feel as heavy in my hands.
Another item of note is the actual presence of a multiple (4) needle bearings in the bar’s sleeves. The presence of these is likely the big differentiator between the bars that are marketed as “Olympic lifting bars”…but actually aren’t and bars, like the C-bar, actually engineered for these lifts. The bearings’ inclusion is very apparent by the ease in which the bar spins. I especially notice this when I’m turning the bar over when dropping into the bottom of a snatch.
Obviously, if I were to be performing the Olympic lifts in competition, I would only perform sets of heavy singles. In training, my sets usually consist of 3 (most of the time) to 5 (some of the time) reps of each lift. These sets aren’t really big, but they are big enough that the slightly more intense knurling (at least more intense than what I am accustomed to) is slightly uncomfortable over the course of my training session.
This knurling isn’t too intense, especially when compared with some of the “cheese-graiter” bars I have lifted with in the past. In an absolutely perfect world, this knurling would be a little smoother for my Olympic lifting training.
Overall, the C-bar is in my top 2, if not my top 1 i.e. favorite Olympic lifting barbells that I have ever consistently lifted with. I really can’t emphasise the general feeling of “lightness” it possess and how this translates to an overall easier lifting experience. My only fear is that I enter a competition where the barbells don’t feel as light after being so used to using the C-bar for so long!
Sport-specific Functionality Score: 90
Multi-use Functionality
Many of KingsBox’s barbell offerings are subtly marketed as multi-purpose or multi-functional barbells. In the C-bar’s case, the term is “hybrid”. In many aspects, I agree with this classification.
The bearings and overall spin separate the C-bar from the vast majority of barbells in the gym that are not suitable for any type of Olympic lifting. The good tensile strength numbers make the bar appropriate for heavier powerlifting types of movements that other barbells might be too weak to use.
In most cases, I enjoy using the C-bar for CrossFit workouts and metcons, although the knurling is too aggressive and severe for me in some situations. If I have to hold on to the barbell for a large number of cleans (particularly hang cleans), the knurling begins digging into my hand, making the repetitions more difficult to complete.
I’m sure there are women who prefer slightly more aggressive knurling than what they normally find on barbells at the gym. If this is you, you will likely find the barbell to be extremely multi-functional.
I think it is best suited for smaller sets, like you would perform in dedicated weightlifting, where the knurling doesn’t have as much time to start digging too deep into the hands.
Multi-use Functionality Score: 80
Tensile Strength
The C-bar has a listed 195,000 Tensile Strength score. Considering that I am not likely to ever have more than 300 pounds on the bar for a deadlift, I am not at all concerned about the bar bending or warping in any way when I lift under “heavy” loads.
I would actually be slightly concerned if the bar’s Tensile Strength was higher than what it is since this might begin to affect the whip. Since Olympic lifting is by far my biggest use for the barbell, maintaining the integrity of the whip is the most important consideration for me.
The 195,000 score is by no means “low”, however and all but the strongest female powerlifters would likely find that the C-bar would hold up just fine during heavy lifts, even if these aren’t the primary intended purposes of the bar.
Tensile Strength Score: 90
Coating
Before purchasing the C-bar I rarely lifted on titanium-coated bars. Of course, this isn’t the most common barbell coating material, although after lifting with the titanium for an extended period of time, I don’t understand why it isn’t used more often.
As light as the bar feels, the coating makes it feel very strong and resilient at the same time. I would also say that it has held up well against rust and other degradation, although I am pretty mindful about brushing the chalk off the bar after every lifting session.
It is possible that the light feeling of the barbell is somehow related to titanium coating. However, even if this is not the case, the combination of the unique shaft coating combined with the stainless-steel sleeve material makes for an overall superior feel.
Coating Score: 85
Price
I mentioned earlier in the review that the C-bar is a few steps above Kingsbox’s entry-level barbells. Within a few seconds of lifting with it, it is apparent that it is not a “budget barbell”.
On the other hand, at a price of just under 300 euros, it isn’t an overly expensive barbell either; it is priced right in line with mid-tier barbells.
Given the quality of the barbell and my overall lifting experience with it, I would say that it is very fairly priced at this point.
Price Score: 80
Customer Reviews
Unfortunately, there aren’t any reviews of the C-bar (wether on the Kingsbox website or on other retailers pages or websites). Because of this, I am unable to provide any information about the (non-existant) customer reviews.
Customer Reviews Score: N/A
Warranty and Returns
Kingsbox’s warranty on most of its barbells, to include the C-bar, is only one year. This is a bit shorter than most other barbell manufacturers where 3,5, or even lifetime warranties are not uncommon. I will be extra careful with mine at the end of the year when the warranty expires!
In contrast, KingsBox’s return policy, specifically on this barbell, is pretty good. With a 30-day, “return for any reason” policy, it is pretty easy to try a barbell out (or any piece of equipment) and to easily return it if it just isn’t working out. The caveat is that the purchaser is required to pay the return shipping costs, which can be quite expensive on large pieces of gym equipment.
Warranty and Returns Score: 70
Customer Service
Over the years, Tom and I have become somewhat of KingsBox “regulars”, making a number of orders, large and small with the company. We have been quite satisfied with the company’s customer service practices; e-mails are always promptly responded to and employees have offered very reasonable solutions on the occasions where we have experienced minor problems.
Depending on the items shipped, the transit/delivery company has differed. In most cases, these companies have been quite good, but in a few cases, these companies have been rather slow and not overly professional or responsive in their practices. I understand that these companies are not “KingsBox”, but their fulfilment of KingsBox orders links them in a direct manner.
Customer Service Score: 95
Who is The C-bar really for?
I think most people would really appreciate what the C-bar has to offer. However, it will likely be preferable to some more than others:
More Serious Olympic Lifters…Who Aren’t “Elite”
The C-bar is perfect for lifters who are in the that 5-20 percentile range. More elite lifters will likely benefit from a higher-quality barbell that is really designed, solely for weightlifting while those outside of this range might not require a dedicated lifting barbell (a multi-functional barbell might be sufficient for them).
Those who Appreciate Unique Coating
A lot of people probably don’t care that much about how their barbells look. As long as they are functional and feel good to lift with, appearance doesn’t matter.
I’m not really one of those people; I love how pretty, colorful, and shiny the C-bar is! There are no other bars in the gym that look like mine, making it a very unique-looking barbell as well.
Not for those who prefer a more standard Olympic barbell knurling
If you look more closely at the properties of the C-bar, there is more content describing it as a “hybrid” bar than as a dedicated Olympic lifting bar. I think that this is most evident in the knurling which seems more in line with and designed for higher-repetition barbell cycling than it is for low-rep or single-rep sets.
If you do intend to use your Olympic lifting bar for CrossFit metcons, you’ll probably appreciate this knurling. If you don’t and/or your hands are sensitive to more aggressive knurling, you should reconsider this barbell.
How we reviewed The Kingsbox C-bar
I mentioned above that I have used the C-bar for my dedicated weightlifting sessions over the past few months. These sessions usually consist of 4 or 5 exercises, 4 or 5 days per week.
I also use the bar for the odd CrossFit metcons I regularly include at the end of my workouts, most notably as the heavy barbell during CrossFit Open workout 24.3 (this workout was released shortly before I wrote this review).
C-bar Alternatives
The C-bar is an excellent choice for most Olympic lifters and for most CrossFit enthusiasts. If you like the idea of it, but want to go in a slightly different direction, check out some of the most relevant alternatives:
Rogue – The Bella Bar 2.0
The most popular women’s barbell from arguably the most popular fitness brand. I own both the C-bar and the Bella bar 2.0 and actually prefer the Bella bar’s knurling for my CrossFit metcons.
Pros
Extremely multifunctional
Lifetime construction warranty
Engineered by one of the most respected fitness brands
Cons
Higher quality coatings are not inexpensive
Does not “excel” at anything
Bells of Steel – Women’s Barbell 3.0 – Olympic Weightlifting
An affordable, but very functional Olympic lifting barbell. The smooth needle bearings alone are worth the very reasonable price tag.
Pros
4 needle bearings to facilitate bar spin
Inexpensive
Hardened chrome finish
Cons
240,000 PSI probably too high for an Oly bar
Does not meet official IWF specs
Eleiko – IWF Weightlifting Competition Barbell
A barbell for those in the top ~5 percent of the sport, the Eleiko name is renowned for its quality lifting equipment. By no means an “affordable” barbell, the engineering is amazing.
Pros
Certified by the IWF
Perfect rotation and knurling
Lifetime warranty
Cons
EXPENSIVE
Not overly multifunctional
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the C-bar better for Olympic lifting or for CrossFit?
The C-bar is a good option for either activity, although the aggressive knurling makes it difficult to hold onto the bar for longer sets. There are times when my hands start to hurt from holding the bar for longer periods so it is best for Olympic lifting.
Is the coating resistant and durable?
So far so good for me! I am meticulous about maintaining my barbell, but it has shown very little signs of wear or rust so far. I do not keep my bar outside so if you plan on keeping yours in the elements, your experience might differ.
Can You See Yourself with the C-bar?
As much as I have enjoyed my recent foray into dedicated Olympic weightlifting, I can honestly say that I would not be as excited about it if I had not started lifting with the C-bar. Lifting with it is just…nice.
The C-bar’s multifunctional utility is also pretty good, but if you’re going to buy the bar, you’re buying it for its Olympic lifting characteristics.
I know that there are some others who probably won’t be as impressed by the beautiful coating as I am, but it is an otherwise nice additional touch on an otherwise excellent barbell. Almost four months later, I do not regret my purchase in the slightest!
Overall Score
84
Sport-specific Functionality
90
Multi-use Functionality
80
Tensile Strength
90
Coating
85
Price
80
Customer Reviews
N/A
Warranty & Returns
70
Kingsbox The C-Bar
The Kingsbox The C-Bar (henceforth referred to as simply the “C-Bar” is one of the company’s mid-to-higher end offerings.
Marketed as an Olympic Weightlifting Bar, it lives up to this billing. As novel as the colorful coating looks, the C-Bar is a pretty serious lifting barbell.
Kingsbox is a very Euro-focused company and their equipment can be difficult to find in other parts of the world, but if you’re able to get your hands on one, you’ll likely be satisfied with your purchase.
Pros
Ideal for Olympic weightlifting
Beautiful and resilient coating
Excellent company customer service
Cons
Not an excellent warranty
Coating is aggressive for larger sets
Not the most inexpensive barbell