IPF Barbell Comparison - Elieko VS Hansu 20KG Bars

IPF Barbell Comparison: Eleiko vs Hansu 20KG (Is Eleiko 4× better?)

TL;DR: Both are IPF-approved 20 kg, 29 mm power bars with comp specs. The Eleiko is beautiful, Swedish-made, bare steel—and about $1,200. The Hansu hits the same spec at about $300 (often less with a code). In real training, Eleiko isn’t 4× “better”; Hansu is a legit value play if you want an IPF bar without the luxury price.

Specs at a glance

FeatureEleiko IPF Competition Power Bar (20 kg)Hansu 20 kg Power Bar (IPF)ApprovalIPFIPFShaft diameter29 mm29 mmWeight20 kg20 kgKnurl marksIPF spacingIPF spacingCenter knurlPresent (shorter)Present (longer by ~a couple inches)Finish (shaft)Bare steelAs tested: brand new (finish not specified)SleevesSmooth, premium lookVisible sleeve/weld transitionsPrice (at time of test)~$1,200 (before ship)~$300 (often less w/ “BASEMENT” code mentioned in video)MaintenanceNeeds brushing/oil; patina developsStandard care; our unit was new

Note: Eleiko bare steel will patina quickly without regular brushing/oil; performance isn’t affected, but appearance changes. The Hansu we tested was brand new, so knurl felt slightly “grabbier” mostly due to age/use difference.

How they actually feel

  • Knurling: Very similar overall. The Hansu felt slightly more aggressive, likely because it was new; the Eleiko was used (patina softens feel a touch).

  • Center knurl: Hansu’s longer center knurl is a nice win for back squat grip.

  • Sleeve finish/fit: Eleiko’s sleeves look smoother/more premium; Hansu shows visible transitions/weld marks. This is cosmetic more than functional.

  • Dimensions: Lengths, collars, and marks are comp-spec and essentially identical in use.

Value verdict

  • Is Eleiko worth 4× the price? For most lifters, no. You’re paying for brand, origin (Sweden), finish choice, and prestige—not 4× performance.

  • Who should buy Eleiko? If you prize heritage, premium machining, bare-steel feel, and you want “the one,” it’s fantastic.

  • Who should buy Hansu? If you want an IPF-approved, 29 mm, 20 kg power bar that lifts like a comp bar for a fraction of the cost, Hansu’s a no-brainer.

The video also mentions a stainless Hansu around $600—a sensible step-up if you want corrosion resistance without Eleiko pricing.

Alternatives mentioned

  • Rogue Ohio Power Bar 20 kg (not shown with an IPF tag in the video). If IPF approval isn’t mandatory, this opens many great options around the Eleiko/Hansu price middle-ground.

Tommy DeFeaComment