A key component of both commercial and home gyms is the barbell. The first consideration when buying a barbell is usually the weight. Do you go for a 15kg Bar or a 20kg bar. But the finer details, like the coating on the barbell, are just as important.
What is Cerakote?
Cerakote is a premium, thin-film ceramic polymer composite coating renowned for its exceptional durability and wide-ranging colour options. Widely used in the military and aerospace sectors, its application provides many benefits which transfer perfectly to fitness equipment.
What are the Benefits of Cerakote on Barbells?
Superior Corrosion Resistance
Cerakote acts as a non-porous, chemical resistant barrier, providing unparalleled protection against oxidation (rusting) caused by corrosive elements like sweat and humidity. This is particularly useful for bars used in homes or gyms where climate control is challenging.
Preserved Knurling Integrity & Feel
Cerakote is a very thin-film application, often less than 0.025mm thick. This ensures the coating does not affect the steel’s intended knurling depth which is critical for ensuring optimal grip and performance.
Abrasion and Scratch Resistance
Cerakote is oven-cured to establish a superior chemical and mechanical bond to the bare steel. This provides high resistance to chips and wear from continuous contact with j-cups and spotters.
Aesthetics
Cerakote offers a large range of vibrant colours, allowing customers and gyms to align their barbell’s aesthetics to their taste.
Minimal Maintenance
As is it a non-porous coating, a Cerakote coated barbell requires minimal maintenance compared to bare steel or oxide finishes. Basic bar hygiene is still recommended, such as gentle brushing to remove chalk or dirt from the knurling, and wiping down to remove sweat, oils and other residue.
Cerakote vs Other Barbell Coatings
Cerakote vs Uncoated Bars
Uncoated bars do serve a purpose in maximising grip and tactile feedback, but they require constant care and attention and will more quickly succumb to corrosion. Cerakote retains an excellent, aggressive feel, with the added protection from corrosion.
Cerakote Barbells vs Zinc Coated Barbells
Zinc coating provides a layer of corrosion protection but is more prone to damage and wear down. Cerakote offers superior, long term corrosion protection and a significantly more durable and abrasion-resistant structure. Cerakote also allows for far more colour options.
Cerakote Barbells vs Hard Chrome Bars
Hard chrome is a popular coating offering excellent corrosion resistance, high abrasion resistance, and low maintenance. While Chrome is consistently a highly durable, shiny silver finish that is the standard for high-volume gyms, Cerakote offers unmatched versatility in its colour options, providing a vast spectrum of colours for branding and personalization.
Cerakote is a great solution for the modern lifter. It eliminates the corrosion and wear challenges of traditional finishes. It offers an excellent blend of the most important factors; superior corrosion resistance, minimal maintenance, and unmatched colour customisation, all while preserving the crucial, tactile feedback of the knurling.
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Tags: Equipment > Bars and Weight Plates ; ,Misc > Gym Planning
