I've read issues concerning the rods and the loads, 60lbs may not relate to 60lbs but to 20lbs etc which means you think you're stronger than you are when in reality it isn't the case.
Then there have been problems with some rods not being the same in terms of load capacity to a rod that has previously been used of the same "strength" and so forth.
At least with a barbell and plates, you know exactly what you're getting, even if you have to weigh them yourself. And, I don't think you could do things like a Farmer's Walk with a Bowflex.
