Gungnir strength bars represent a significant innovation in the weightlifting equipment market with their patented built-in collar system. These Norwegian-engineered barbells combine premium materials, precise machining, and revolutionary design to create a unique lifting experience. While relatively new to the market, Gungnir has quickly established a reputation for quality and functionality that sets their bars apart from traditional options.
The most distinctive feature of Gungnir barbells is their patented SlideLock™ technology, which eliminates the need for external collars or clips. This innovative system integrates securing mechanisms directly into the bar itself, creating a more streamlined and user-friendly lifting experience.
Engineering and Durability - The SlideLock™ system has undergone extensive testing to ensure its reliability and durability. In controlled testing, the mechanism withstood 15,000 simulated real-life drops from heights of 1.6 meters with 320 kg loads and from 2.2 meters with 90 kg loads. Furthermore, hydraulic press testing demonstrated the titanium SlideLock could endure vertical pressure of 15,000 kg while remaining perfectly intact.
The built-in collar system provides several practical advantages for lifters:
Despite these benefits, users should note that the SlideLock™ system does reduce the effective loadable sleeve length by approximately one inch compared to traditional barbells, offering around 13.75 inches of usable space versus the typical 14.75 inches.
Gungnir currently offers several barbell models, each designed with specific training purposes in mind while incorporating their signature SlideLock™ technology.
The flagship Gungnir product is the Allrounder 20kg Olympic barbell, a multipurpose bar designed to accommodate various lifting styles. This full-sized men's bar features:
The Allrounder lives up to its name by performing well across different lifting disciplines, though it particularly excels in Olympic-style movements and high-volume training.
Gungnir also produces a 15kg version of the Allrounder, designed with similar features but in a lighter configuration that may be preferred by some athletes. This bar features:
Complementing their straight bars, Gungnir offers the Curler, an EZ curl bar that maintains the brand's commitment to quality while incorporating their signature SlideLock™ technology. Notable features include:
Users have described the Curler as "overbuilt" and of such high quality that they would never need to purchase another curl bar.
Gungnir bars showcase thoughtful engineering in every aspect, from materials selection to finishing techniques and mechanical design.
The Allrounder bars feature a satin hard chrome finish on the shaft, which provides a matte appearance distinct from many competing bars. The sleeves are coated with electroless nickel deposit, a high-durability finish that offers excellent protection against oxidation while highlighting the precision machining of the grooved sleeve design. The SlideLock™ mechanism itself is constructed from titanium, providing exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and ensuring long-term durability. This titanium component fits flush with the bar when not engaged, allowing for smooth loading and unloading of weight plates.
Gungnir employs a multi-pattern knurling approach on their barbells:
The 20kg Allrounder features medium-depth knurling that many users describe as comfortable for high-volume training but potentially insufficient for maximum-effort powerlifting
The bar includes a mild center knurl that provides additional stability for back squats without causing excessive abrasion against the body
Dual knurl marks accommodate both Olympic lifting and powerlifting hand positions
While the knurling on the Curler EZ bar receives praise for its quality, some reviewers note that additional coverage extending through the bends would be beneficial, particularly for lifters with larger hands.
Reviews and user testimonials consistently highlight the exceptional build quality and performance characteristics of Gungnir bars.
The Allrounder 20kg bar performs particularly well for Olympic-style lifts and exercises requiring smoother spin and moderate whip. Reviewers note that:
Some powerlifters mention preferring more aggressive knurling for maximum-effort deadlifts and low-bar squats, though they find the Allrounder suitable for volume training and overloaded deadlifts where additional whip is beneficial.
Long-term testing indicates excellent durability and user satisfaction. After more than a year of regular use, one reviewer reported that their Allrounder looked "virtually the same as the day I received it," with the SlideLock™ mechanism continuing to function perfectly. The bar consistently attracts attention in gym settings, with visitors frequently inquiring about its unique design.
