PRx Mako Olympic Barbell

The PRx Mako is specifically designed for Olympic weightlifting rather than general strength training. Its high-whip shaft and needle bearings provide the flexibility and fast sleeve rotation needed for explosive lifts. Combined with a 28mm shaft, IWF-standard knurl markings, and passive knurling, the Mako is built for controlled, confident cleans, jerks, and snatches.

The Mako is a 20kg Olympic weightlifting barbell with a 28mm shaft, high whip, needle bearings, and hard chrome construction finishes.

Barbell whip describes how much a barbell shaft flexes and rebounds under load. During explosive lifts, the shaft bends slightly as the weight moves and then returns toward its original position. Skilled weightlifters can use this rebound to assist with the timing and momentum of a lift.

The PRx Mako features high whip, making it especially responsive during cleans, jerks, and snatches. This flexibility can benefit Olympic lifting technique, although lifters must develop proper timing and control to use it effectively.

Needle bearings allow the barbell sleeves to rotate quickly and smoothly as the shaft turns during a lift. This helps reduce rotational resistance transferred to the lifter's wrists and arms during fast barbell turnovers.

The Mako's needle-bearing design is particularly useful for Olympic lifts, where rapid, controlled sleeve rotation is important during cleans, jerks, and snatches. General-purpose bars often use bushings, which provide a different rotational feel.

The Mako uses passive-aggression volcano and hill-style knurling with IWF-standard markings. This design provides a controlled grip while remaining suitable for the frequent hand contact and fast barbell turnover involved in Olympic weightlifting.

The IWF markings help athletes maintain consistent grip placement during snatches and clean & jerks. The Mako is designed around Olympic lifting grip requirements rather than the more aggressive knurling typically found on dedicated powerlifting bars.

The PRx Mako features hard chrome coatings on both the shaft and sleeves. Hard chrome provides a durable protective surface with a classic metallic appearance. The grooved sleeves are designed for use with standard Olympic weight plates and compatible barbell collars.

Like other coated steel barbells, the Mako should be cleaned and stored in a dry environment to help maintain its finish and long-term performance.

The Mako is purpose-built for Olympic weightlifting, particularly the snatch and clean & jerk. Its high-whip shaft, needle bearings, 28mm diameter, and IWF knurl markings are optimized for explosive movements that require fast barbell turnover.

It can also be used for pulls, squats, and other strength movements, but athletes who primarily perform general strength training or powerlifting may prefer a multipurpose barbell with lower whip.

The Mako has a 1,500 lb static load capacity and a tensile strength specification of at least 190,000 PSI, with a manufacturer-stated tolerance of plus or minus 5%. These specifications provide substantial strength for demanding Olympic weightlifting sessions.

The static load capacity refers to weight supported under static conditions and should not be interpreted as a dynamic impact rating.

The PRx Mako is a dedicated Olympic weightlifting bar with high whip, a 28mm shaft, needle bearings, and IWF knurl markings. These features prioritize fast rotation and responsive movement during snatches and clean & jerks.

The PRx Thresher is a multipurpose training bar with medium whip, a 28.5mm shaft, composite bushings, and dual IWF/IPF knurl markings. The Thresher is generally better suited for athletes combining Olympic lifts with squats, deadlifts, presses, and functional fitness training.

Choose the Mako if Olympic weightlifting is your primary focus. Choose the Thresher if you want one barbell for a broader range of training.

Yes. The Mako is designed for standard Olympic bumper plates and Olympic weight plates. Its sleeves provide 16-1/8" of usable loading length per side. Use compatible Olympic barbell collars to keep plates secured during training.