Abstract: A system is disclosed for controlling the tension in rod or bar products being rolled continuously in first and second roll stands independently driven by drive motors. A first surface velocity gauge is positioned at the delivery side of the first roll stand and a second surface velocity gauge is positioned at the entry side of the second roll stand. The first and second gauges are operative, respectively, to continuously measure and generate control signals representative of the exit surface velocity of the product exiting the first roll stand and the entry surface velocity of the product entering the second roll stand. Separately operable controllers are provided for varying the operating speeds of the roll stand drive motors.