I've been very happy with this purchase so far and was surprised by the overall quality of the barbell- It's on par with "higher-end bars" that I've used at the gym. The knurling strikes a perfect balance between providing a firm grip and comfort during use. The sleeves also rotate very smoothly and come well lubricated. While the bar is slightly stiff, it is not excessively so. It performs very well across various exercises and I use it for bench presses, squats, deadlifts, etc. If you need a great all around barbell for your home gym this is a fantastic choice.The barbell was also impeccably packaged and was delivered without a scratch or blemish. It arrived in a slim box that contained a sturdy cylindrical cardboard tube, securely protected with styrofoam. The barbell is wrapped in a protective bag and coated with a thin layer of oil to safeguard it against moisture. I personally wiped off the excess oil with a paper towel, but I left a thin layer on the areas that are not frequently handled. Some individuals have suggested using a degreaser, but if your gym equipment is located in your garage, you really should shield the barbell from moisture, and a very thin coat of oil proves to be beneficial.Considering the price, I firmly believe that this barbell offers excellent value, and I anticipate it to remain durable for years to come. If you find yourself in a dilemma regarding a barbell to choose (there are so many), this one should definitely meet your quality expectations, especially for home gym use.It's also worth noting that you can order directly from XMark with free shipping and a 10% discount coupon by signing up for their emails, lowering the cost even more.