I don't go over 300lbs yet, but it isn't rusting in my garage (which previous bars did) and it stays stiff and doesn't bend like the others. This is a great middle of the line bar, I can't wait until I'm deadlifting over 300lbs again to see how it holds up!The original bar had one of the sleeves loosen and thus, slide two quarters diameters from its original position. Then the replacement bar, which took 6 months to receive, had both sleeves loosen; i.e., one sleeve slides a dimes-width (coin) and the other sleeve slides a quarters-width (coin). And albeit that the balance of the bar is wonderful, the quality pertaining to the sleeves moving is terrible as an ostensible safety issue, especially if one lifts heavy.Mr. Sprouse (the owner of (ARCHON) was somewhat helpful with sending a new one since it was under a one-year warranty and this had happened within the first 3 months of using it, and the replacement suffered the same fate within two months of using it. Moreover, it took 6 months to receive the replacement, nor would he upgrade it to the ball-bearing one, which I requested, and which via Amazon, I actually paid more for it than what ARCHON charges for the aforesaid on their website.Additionally, he said that I could pay the difference, about $20.00, but I had sent him numerous times the proof that I paid more for the lesser bar and felt with such a defect, he could have sent the better quality/higher-end model one.Again, nothing against Mr. Sprouse; but it was a lengthy process overall to complete with a negative outcome, and he also sent me links to several tools, which I would have to purchase via Amazon, so that I could fix the original bar. He allowed me to keep the original one, but I wrote I would be more than happy to send it back on his dime, per se. He told me to keep it, I presume as a courtesy. However, I felt that I should not have to spend money to get tools that would fix it and also have to do it myself.Overall, the bar is possibly good for novice users who are not going to lift much and thus, not risk injury, but as I explained to him, I had a cheaper $60.00 bar for several years (3-4) and it never did that, i.e., had it sleeves loosen at all, especially so much as the ARCHON one did.So, if one is serious or wishes to make an investment in their training, purchase a ROGUE or a STARTING TEXAS STRENGTH bar (Stainless Finish or NOT COATED) , which is of superior quality.Suffice it to say, I am not gleeful in writing this, but I had to with the issues that have manifested, because of the safety factors that the bar induces.Still need to throw some weight on the bar and do some lifts, and will update this review if needed, but gonna write this review now, or I'll definitely forget. Firstly, the Archon 45 Lb Olympic bar is actually ~45 Lbs. Weighed myself with and without the bar; ~45 Lbs difference. Knurling is great, not too harsh, but able to get a good grip. For those who care It also looks nice, with a nice matte black finish. Only point I might make is pricing during COVID is hard, and I may have overpaid a bit, understandably, due to supply and demand, but if that's the case, Archon seems to be trying to offer more value to the customer in good shipping materials and faster shipping, came faster and better packaged than I would've expected.I love this bar!!! The bar is sleek, has a high max capacity, and has smaller diameter so it doesn’t feel so bulky in your hand while still accommodating 2 inch Olympic plates! Highly recommend.I have had the bar for few months and so far really nice bar.really impressed with the quality of this bar. Bought it for my home gym and use it for heavy compound lifts and cross-fit type workouts. Will be purchasing from them again soon.Very nice bar for the money. Oily when you get it out of its packaging but wipes off easily. I recommend it.Amazing bar with great spin and customer service is incredible. I CrossFit and this bar handles everything