Depending on who you ask, there are a ton of different pieces of home gym equipment you can start with. Whether you’re trying to lose weight, gain muscle, increase strength, or improve flexibility will all play a factor in what equipment you decide to get. For people looking exclusively to lose weight, you may want to invest in more cardio-based items, while those interested in improved flexibility may want to focus more on callisthenic-aligned gym gear.
On the other hand, if you’re more interested in building muscle and improving your overall strength and endurance, you’re probably going to want to start your home gym off with equipment built to increase muscle size, with the barbell arguably being the most effective muscle-building equipment out there.
But what type of barbell is the best for you? From the different types, brands, and price ranges available, it can be difficult to determine what you should start with. Below, we’ll go over some of the different types of barbells out there as well as which you should primarily focus on. We’ll also take a look at some of the best available barbells currently on the market today so that you know where to start looking on your gym-based journey.
Easily one of the best bars out there, the Gunner Barbell by Force USA makes a point of being a virtual one-stop shop for all things weightlifting. Pretty much, unless you’re looking to be a professional deadlifter or are trying out for a strongman competition, this should be able to handle just about anything you need.
It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to handle squats, presses, and lifts while also being extremely well-made and highly durable. It has dual knurling that is built to IPF standards (International Powerlifting Federation) while its other knurling pattern meets IWF (International Weightlifting Federation) standards. This means you’re getting a barbell that hits multiple standards in terms of its grip marks. This all culminates in a bar that works for just about any and all types of lifting use.
Description
Force USA’s Gunner Barbell weighs in at roughly 44lbs (20kg) and is made with 235,000 PSI tensile strength steel. This means it can handle just about any weight you throw on it and can do it for as long as you need it. The bar comes in both black or bright zinc sleeves while coated in a stainless steel bush bearing, offering a really good spin.
While it doesn’t have a center knurling, that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. You’ll need a cloth or wrap to do comfortable squats, but you also won’t need to worry about grating your neck or irritating your skin.
On top of its weight, the bar has a 1.10-inch diameter (28mm) and is around 86.6 inches in length, with 16 of those inches going to either loading sleeves, meaning you can rack up a lot of weight.
Lastly, its zinc coating, while not the best option out there, does really well and looks very nice. Yes, there’s a bit of corrosion you’ll have to be on the lookout for from time to time, but so long as you’re on top of it and paying attention every now and again, it shouldn’t be a problem.
All in all, this is a great barbell that is sure to make just about any athlete happy.
Based out in Canada, B.o.S’ Bar 2.0 is a serious contender in determining which of these barbells deserves the top spot. The Bar 2.0 is well constructed with impressive knurling and a great spin. What’s more, it does all of this at a price that most other brands wouldn’t even dream of.
Description
The Bar 2.0 is a solid stainless-steel barbell that comes with 240,000 PSI tensile strength and a 2,000lb weight capacity. This takes away somewhat from its “whip” while still ensuring it has a reasonable amount of flex and give to it.
The barbell has a hardened chrome finish which, while not necessarily on the level of cerakote, is still very resilient against rust or abrasions. It comes with a dual knurl setup and a 1.10-inch (28mm) diameter. This knurling is pretty aggressive, which sort of lends to its lack of center knurl. You can do pretty good squats with it, but that’s not going to be your focus compared to Olympic lifts and presses.
In regards to the bar itself, the Bar 2.0 has 5 needle bearings along with a stainless steel bushing for either sleeve. This ensures a fairly smooth and fast spin. I’d say that it just narrowly misses the line of spinning “too” much, its machined sleeves keeping its weights from slipping or spinning more than they should. Still, you may want to be just a bit careful when pumping out your reps.
Pros
Free Shipping
Great For Olympic Weightlifting
Offered At A Super Reasonable Price
Ideal For Secure Holds As Well As Lifts Or Presses
Chrome Finish Makes It Highly Resistant To Rust
Machined Sleeves Prevent Weight Plates From Slipping
Cons
No Center Knurl Makes Squats A Little More Difficult
If you’re someone that is looking to get in shape but need something a bit more affordable, the Titan Fitness Economy Olympic Bar may just be the barbell for you. While not quite at the highest quality compared to others on this list, the Economy Olympic Barbell does everything you need while at a fraction of the cost.
Description
The barbell weighs roughly 45lbs (20.41kg) and is 84 inches in length, 16 of those inches being loadable sleeves. The bar has a diameter of 1.18 inches (30mm) with 16 inches of knurling on either end and 8 inches at its center.
The Economy uses diamond-style knurling and has a chrome finish. This makes it highly rust-resistant, though you may have to be on the lookout now and again.
Lastly, the barbell has a 2-inch sleeve diameter and is made wholly from cold-rolled steel. Cold-rolled steel is meant to be harder and stronger than the more common hot-rolled steel, meaning that its 700lb weight bearing is 100% accurate.
All in all, while it does miss out on some small things here and there, it is a great barbell for nearly anyone that wants to get started working out. Whether you need a solid bar for deadlifts, bench presses, or squats, this is a great starting choice for anyone.
Pros
Super Affordable
Has Center Knurling
Made From Cold-Rolled Steel
Can Handle 700lbs Of Weight
Built Per Olympic Standards
Cons
Knurling Is A Bit Aggressive
Bar Diameter Is Slightly Larger Than Olympic Standards
Although there are many great barbells out there, it’s also true that there are some barbells that are better than others. For the weightlifter that wants something truly capable and competitive, you may want to check out Rogue’s Pyrros 28mm Barbell.
The Pyrros bar is a barbell made from IWF-certified stainless steel while also being made in collaboration with the Olympic weightlifting champion, Pyrros Dimas.
This all culminates in a bar that is incredibly strong and durable, making it great for all Olympic-based lifts, presses, and squats.
Description
Immediately jumping into its dimensions, the Pyrros Bar weighs in at around 44lbs (20kg) with a diameter of 1.10 inches 28mm. It has a length of around 86 inches while also having a center knurl to perform squats with.
As mentioned earlier, the bar is certified by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF). This means that it is made to the exact standards of the Olympic competitions, making it among the rare few bars which can be used in international competitions.
The barbell has bearings rather than bushings, ensuring that there is a good amount of spin to play with. In fact, for those interested in snatch and clean and jerk movements, this is a huge plus that can’t be overstated.
Pros
Very Strong & Durable
Has Great Spin
Stainless Steel Makes It Rust And Corrosion-Resistant
Fully IWF-Certified
Has A Lifetime Warranty
Cons
On The Pricier Side
Not Ideal For Powerlifting Or CrossFit
Knurling May Be A Bit Too Aggressive For People Starting Out
A top-tier commercial-grade barbell, Force USA’s Powerlifting Barbell is perfect for powerlifters looking to seriously test themselves by piling on as much weight on their barbell as possible.
Sitting with a 200,000 PSI tensile strength and a 2,000lb weight rating, there are very few bars out there with the resilience and durability to handle everything the Powerlifting Bar can.
Description
First and foremost, this bar is truly a powerlifter’s dream. It is incredibly rigid and sturdy, allowing you to push through super-heavy squats and lifts without worrying if your bar can handle the weight. It weighs around 45lbs (20kg) while its full length reaches outwards 86.6 inches. On the other hand, the bar has a knurling depth of 0.45mm, which is quite deep, while its diameter is 1.14 inches (29mm).
Here, the barbell has stainless steel bearing, offering a feel that is noticeably quite smooth throughout your lift, granting a fair bit of spin. The bar’s sleeves are, in particular, coated in corrosion-resistant zinc, which is one of the best materials after stainless steel and cerakote.
Slightly thinner and longer than a standard barbell, the Rogue Ohio Deadlift Bar is an incredibly flexible barbell with a great amount of bend and whip to it. The bar has Rogue’s characteristic feature design, in this case making it a great option for those looking for a quality deadlift.
Description
The barbell is a 44lb (20kg) men’s deadlift bar with a diameter of 1.06 inches (27mm). Its length is almost 5 inches over a standard bar, sitting at 90.5 inches compared to the standard 86.5. The bar has a tensile strength rating of 190,000 PSI while also having very aggressive dual knurling on either end of the shaft. This is ideal for lifts inherently, while its aggressive knurling makes it exceptionally useful for deadlifting incredibly large amounts of weight.
The bar is finished with either zinc or raw steel while offering up to 15.5 inches (393.7mm) of free space for sleeve-loading space. These sleeves are also cast in bronze bushing, which makes them able to stay in place without too many issues (though don’t expect too much spinning).
Pros
Excellent Whipping For Full Deadlift Range Of Motion
Great Length
Good Amount Of Free Space To Load Weights
Aggressive Knurl Makes It Great For Deadlifting
Cons
A Bit On The Louder Side
Not Great For Beginning Deadlifters/Powerlifters (Needs At Least 225lbs For Proper Use)
For many people, the swiss barbell may seem like something that doesn’t belong in a gym. It doesn’t look like anything you’d see at most gyms and just seems like something else altogether.
Well, not only is the swiss barbell a great way to improve your sets when working out, but it’s also one of the best ways to perform presses as well as lifts. And, without a doubt, one of the best swiss barbells out there is Fringe Sports’ Multi-Grip Swiss Bar.
Description
One of the biggest selling points of the Multi-Grip Swiss Bar is its perfect use when it comes to performing multiple different presses and lifts. Where most standard bars only have a single grip position, the Swiss bar comes with 3 different positions, all of which offer a ton of variety on an otherwise all-too-common performance.
The bar has 3 neutral grip placement options which work to eliminate both pronated and supinated grips. This is great for those that often suffer from strained shoulders and wrists while also being ideal for those that want to lift heavier loads without suffering from too much stress on the limbs. This includes alternate versions of bench presses, hammer grip curls, front raises, skull crushers, as well as incline front raises.
The specialty Swiss bar is 46lbs (20.8kg) and is 82 inches long with 14 inches of loadable sleeves on either side. In terms of its 3 grips, the bar has two neutral grip widths that are spaced at 18.5 inches and 27.25 inches. It also has a third grip that is space at 8.5 inches. There is also a fourth grip option by flipping the bar over at its opposite angle.
Unlike other Swiss bars, the Fringe Sport Swiss bar has knurled handles that, while not too aggressive, offer a pretty good amount of grip security. This is assisted by the bar’s smooth powder coat.
Still, while it’s an overall great option, the Swiss bar is not perfect. Though it can be racked, it needs a fairly wide rack to play with (around 49 inches or so) with anything narrower being too tight to reasonably get it in or out. Its sleeves are also not Olympic-sized, meaning that you won’t be able to play with this when it comes to any competitions, instead really only enjoying it personally.
Pros
Multiple Grip Options
Knurled Handles
Weight Capacity Over 1,000lbs
Surprisingly Affordable Considering What It Offers
The Performance Training Bar is the best of the best when it comes to those looking for an optimal CrossFit tool. Technically part of the Olympic weightlifting bars, this is a highly versatile bar with a ton of variety going for it. If you’ve played with an American Barbell bar before, you’ll know that they have a reputation for being pretty well put together.
Simply put, if you’re interested in a high-quality barbell with outstanding performance, you’re going to want to check out American Barbell’s Performance Training Barbell.
Description
This 46lb (20kg) barbell is made from precision ground alloy steel while having a chrome coating. As a result, it can take just about anything you can dish out at it. It has a 190,000 PSI tensile strength which means that it can whip fairly well while also having a pretty long-lasting performance.
The bar has a 1.14-inch (28mm) diameter and uses composite bushings. These bushings are inherently thicker than standard bars while also being incredibly smooth despite bearings generally being the smoother option. While it doesn’t beat out high-grade bearings, it’s such a surprising competitor, you can generally get the same amount of rotation out of them compared to most mid-grade bearings. It isn’t going to have a ton of spin when under little resistance, however, when loaded, expect things to run oh so smoothly.
In terms of knurl, the Performance Training Bar comes with a light knurl that is extremely fine-cut. Because it isn’t as aggressive as other knurl patterns, this bar can be used for a lot more things comfortably, CrossFit being a particularly good mainstay here.
Pros
Hard Chrome Coating Is Reasonable For Rust & Abrasion Protection
Has Very Fine & Light Knurl Patterns
Super Versatile
Great For CrossFit Along With Other Fitness Exercises
While there have been several interesting bar types already listed, the trap bar is easily one of the strangest. This hexagonal-shaped barbell has ergonomic handles that are well-made and developed. Probably one of the more impressive brands out there is Force USA’s Walkthrough Trap Bar.
This bar seeks to combine engineering with utility and functionality, all while creating a super compelling and useful barbell. And while it may seem strange at first glance, the Walkthrough Trap bar has a lot of things worth checking out.
Description
The bar has a fully assembled weight of 65lbs (29kg) while having a weight capacity of 661lbs. In terms of size, the bar is 69 inches long and has a loadable sleeve length of 12.8 inches.
Because of the nature of the bar, you will need to set it up and put it together, something that isn’t the case for other bars. However, it shouldn’t take you more than about 20 minutes unless you’re not doing what you’re supposed to be doing.
Because of the handles, you can easily end up performing various high and low deadlifts, while its open design is great when it comes to practicing lunges or different grip strength exercises.
While it’s certainly not the barbell that most people think of, it operates more like a machine device, helping assist in numerous movements that may otherwise have been too stressful without aid. And that alone should make it worth looking into.
Pros
Extremely Versatile
Can Add Multiple New Exercises
Makes Lifting With Partners Easier
Knurling Isn’t Particularly Aggressive
Cons
Doesn’t Have A Particularly High Weight Bearing Capacity
Just because many of the bars listed are fitted for males doesn’t mean that there aren’t great options available to women. Here, Titan’s Women’s Olympic Barbell is a great intermediate bar that works well for women just starting as well as those that have been involved for a while. It’s even got some appeal for those that are experts in the field.
Description
The Women’s Olympic Bar weighs around 33lbs (15kg) while having an overall length of 79.5 inches, with just over 11.75 inches of loadable sleeve length coming from it on either side. That leaves more than enough space for most presses and lifts with 52 inches from sleeve to sleeve.
The bar has dual knurl marks while being coated with cerakote, an extremely rust and abrasion-resistant material that is incredibly long-lasting and highly durable. The bar uses bronze bushings which make it quite smooth when flipping, though it doesn’t quite hit the crazy marks as bearings bars.
Because the bar is intended for women, the knurling is fairly moderate while the shat has a 25mm diameter with a 50mm sleeve diameter.
Lastly, the bar is quite impressive in terms of its weight-bearing capacity and overall tensile strength. Here, the bar can hold upwards of 1,500lbs while it has a tensile strength of 190,000lbs. This is more than enough for most women, give just about any person using it a real workout.
One thing many of you may have noticed with many of these barbells is that despite largely being meant for one area they can be used for multiple exercises and performances. This is mainly because the bars themselves are fairly good. This is a fair bit different compared to what an actual multi-purpose barbell may do.
Bells of Steel has not only produced an incredible multipurpose bar, but it does so at one of the best prices out there.
Description
Starting with its bar’s dimensions, the bar weighs roughly 44lbs (20kg) and has a complete length of 86.6 inches, with a loadable sleeve length of 16.25 inches and a distance between sleeves of 51.5 inches. In terms of tensile strength, the bar can hit upwards of 190,000 PSI, which is fairly good for most standards of measurement.
Outside of its immediate dimensions, the bar’s knurling is multi-purpose, with a shaft diameter of 1.12 inches (28.5mm). It has both dual and a center knurl that, when combined with its wide diameter, allows for a variety of different lifts as well as presses and many squats.
The knurl isn’t particularly aggressive, having a more “mid” feel to it. It’s enough that you’ll be secure while not enough to dig too deep into your skin. There’s also some depth to the profile as it isn’t completely flat. Ultimately, this makes it great for things like CrossFit or other high-rep activities since you won’t have to worry about a ripped-up hand once you’re done.
The bar also uses a black zinc finish on its shaft. While this is more cost-effective, that doesn’t make it the best. Not only does it not feel super great compared to things like stainless steel, but it can get chipped a bit easier as well as suffer from rust if you aren’t careful.
Still, all in all, it’s a very very great bar that handles just about anything you’d want (no matter what you want) at a very reasonable and affordable price.
Pros
Very Affordable
Knurl Is Not Too Aggressive
Can Definitely Stack On The Weights Without Too Much Of An Issue
Has A Pretty Good Spin
Has A Max Weight Capacity Of 1,000lbs & A Tensile Strength Of 190,000lbs
Cons
Uses A Zinc Finish
Bronze Bushing Does Result In Spin That Isn’t What It Could Be
If you’re someone that wants to focus primarily on improving your weightlifting, there’s a good chance some of these other bars may not be what you’re looking for. The good news is that the Gladiator Olympic Barbell from Rep Fitness might just be.
The barbell not only feels great to use but also handles an incredible amount of weight while having an insane PSI tensile strength.
Description
Starting with its size, the barbell weighs roughly 44lbs (20kg) with a diameter of 1.10 inches (28mm). The Gladiator Olympic bar has dual knurl marks on either end with no center knurl. This makes squats a bit difficult though it also ensures you won’t suffer any skin abrasions so there’s a bit of a tradeoff. The knurl included is also surprisingly quite mild, also resulting in fewer problems for your hands, though I would like for it to be a bit more considering some of the weight you’ll be dealing with.
Speaking of weight, the Gladiator bar can hold upwards of 1,500lbs. And while that alone is impressive enough, the bar also has a tensile strength of 230,000 PSI. This means you can pretty much throw whatever you want on there without worrying about it breaking or even bending. Because of its high tensile strength and high yield strength (210,000 PSI), there’s very little give or whip that you’ll have to deal with, which may be a bit disappointing for some.
The bar is coated with hard chrome, which is generally used by most weight lifters due to everything their equipment is exposed to. Chrome is better at resisting rust and corrosion than zinc or back oxide, so you should be pretty safe provided you keep an eye on your bar now and again.
The Gladiator has a surprisingly smooth spin due to its 5-needle bearings. Bearings are known to be better overall compared to bushings, so the inclusion of bearings is a welcome addition.
Pros
Has Over 230,000 PSI Tensile Strength & 210,000 Yield Strength
Can Bear Upwards Of 1,500lbs
Uses Hard Chrome Coating
Has 5-Needle Bearing For A Smooth Spin
Knurling Isn’t Particularly Aggressive
Perfect For Weightlifters & Deadlifters
Super Durable
Cons
Not The Best For Squats Compared To Others
Knurl May Not Cut, But It May Be A Bit Too Soft (Can’t Quite Connect)
Despite the fact that there are a ton of items available on Amazon, not all of them are particularly useful or even effective. You can often find this in many areas including the barbell space.
Luckily, this isn’t true when it comes to Synergee Games’ Cerakote Barbell. Coated in a cerakote material, this barbell is highly durable and incredibly versatile, able to perform just about any type of lift or squat.
It is a super popular choice among fitness trainees, CrossFit athletes, and Olympic lifters. Not only that, but it is also attractively priced and super long-lasting, and highly durable.
Simply put, when it comes to Amazon-based barbell products, you’d be hard-pressed to find anything quite like it. It isn’t quite as impressive as the Rogue Cerakote Ohio Bar (read more below), but it makes up for it by being a close second in quality and a distant first in price.
Description
The Synergee Games Cerakote barbell is certainly one of the best products out there when it comes to a mix between quality and availability. The barbell comes in black, pink, and red at 33lbs (15kg) and 44lbs (20kg). It is coated with cerakote, making it impressively durable and long-lasting.
The barbell has a 1500lb weight-bearing capacity with a tensile strength rating of 190,000 PSI. This means you’ll be able to perform just about any squats, lifts, or presses without too much issue regardless of what your physical goals are.
In terms of overall size, the barbell has a 1.10-inch (28mm) diameter and a dual knurl design rather than a center one. This puts it slightly on the thinner side, meaning you may not want to rely on it solely for heavier lifts. Instead, while it is great for those things at reasonable weight levels, it is the most ideal for CrossFit.
Pros
Super Reasonable Price Tag
Cerakote Shaft Makes It Abrasion-Resistant
Great For CrossFit
Dual Knurling For Lifts & Presses
10 Needle Bearings For Faster Spinning Sleeve
Cons
A Bit Too Thin For Super-Heavy Lifting
No Center Knurl Makes It Not Ideal For Squats
Cerakote Sleeves Actually Scar Up Faster Than Other Materials
Throughout this list, there have been a lot of very impressive and varied barbell options presented. And while they may be great for many athletes that know what they’re doing, they can also potentially be a bit intimidating for the newbie beginner.
The good news is that Rep Fitness has a barbell that hopes to be simple enough for the beginner while still at the quality and versatility of some of the more impressive options mentioned.
The bar is made to handle a ton of punishment, from slamming on the ground to being racked and unracked near constantly. The Sabre barbell makes a point of being very durable and resilient while also offering fairly light knurling that isn’t too aggressive.
Description
The bar is offered at both 33lbs (15kg) and 45lbs (20kg). It also is available in either regular or black zinc finish. The black zinc finish is great as it helps reduce any sort of abrasion or rust that might otherwise appear.
In terms of ability, the bar has a 1,000lbs max weight capacity, which makes it certainly pretty good when it comes to what a beginner needs while its fairly light knurling makes it great for just about every workout, from lifts, to squats, to presses, to even things like CrossFit. The 20kg bar has the option of coming with a center knurl, though most lifts and cross-training regiments may find it a bigger hassle present than not.
When it comes to the bar’s sleeves, they are a bit on the smoother side largely due to their zinc finish. Some people argue that they can be a bit looser than one might want or expect, though I think they’re perfect.
In terms of its length and size, the 20kg bar has a 28mm diameter and has 16-inch sleeves, and an 87.4-inch full-body length. In addition to its 1,000lb weight-bearing strength, the bar also has a tensile strength of 150,000lbs. This is perfect for starters that don’t know much. However, as you get more practiced, 150,000lbs may not be a lot. In that case, it’ll be time to graduate to something a bit more extensive.
Pros
Super Affordable
Great For Beginners
Knurling Is Very Light Compared To Others
Very High Quality
Can Accept A Lot Of Punishment
Has Optional Center Knurling
More Durable Than The Rep Basic Barbell
Cons
May Not Be Ideal For Those That Want A More Aggressive Knurl
The Zinc Finish Isn’t Quite As Good As Stainless Steel
150,000lbs Tensile Strength Isn’t A Lot For Trained Athletes
We’ve talked about Rouge before, and their Cerakote barbell is just as good here as the aforementioned deadlift bar. One could even argue that the Ohio Power Bar Cerakote is potentially even more impressive due to just how versatile it is.
As mentioned with Synergee’s barbell, Cerakote barbells can host a variety of different features, from standard barbell training to powerlifting, to Olympic squats and lifts. It is incredibly flexible, allowing you to hit your goals no matter what those goals are or how they may change over time.
Description
The Ohio Power Bar is available in four different coating options. These include e-coat, black zinc, black oxide, and cerakote, with cerakote costing an additional $40. Despite this, if you have the money to pay for it, the cerakote option is by far the best. It offers around 100xs more abrasion resistance compared to the other three options making it their gold standard.
The cerakote coating is ceramic based, providing a highly-durable shielding finish that is far and away superior to just about any other barbell in terms of protecting it against wear and tear.
The barbell weighs around 44.09lbs (20kg) and is 1.12 inches (28.5mm) in diameter. Rather than a center knurl, the Ohio Bar sports dual knurl marks on either end, making it great for the aforementioned Olympic and power lifts. Lastly, it has an impressive 190,000 PSI steel tensile strength, allowing you to pretty much load as much weight as you want (provided you’re trying for a strongman competition).
It has over 16.25 inches (412.75mm) of loadable sleeve length while a full length of 86.52 inches.
Pros
Cerakote Coating Is Super Durable
Rogue Offers Lifetime Warranty Against Bending
Super Versatile
Dual Knurling Is Great For Most Lifts
One Of The Best Squat Bars Out There
Cons
Cerakote Is An Additional Price Instead Of Included
Not A Ton Of Color Options
Has Rogue Branding, Making It Potentially Annoying For Some People
It’s not an easy task to test barbells. We take our time and always make sure that we get it right, considering how the weight will feel when you lift them; whether or not they can withstand heavy use in different environments (from home workouts); as well as what price range would suit your needs best.
Type of Lifting You Are Doing
The most important thing to consider when testing a barbell is what it’s designed for. While all of them can be used in multiple ways, some may have been created with one specific sport or lift style in mind – like trap bars which are typically only meant for deadlifts and farmers’ carries. We make sure our experience matches up accordingly by training using the notes provided by the manufacturer before ranking each item on the list according to its purpose.
We test a company’s advertising claims to see if they can create an accurate portrayal of their product. For example, if the sleeve spin on your Olympic barbell is barely noticeable, then this might not rank so well with consumers who want more motion from their weightlifting bars and prefer smoother bearings during workouts as well as increased durability over time due in part because these types often have aggressive knurling which provides enough grip without being too uncomfortable for long periods.
Durability
We assess how the barbell holds up over time in our gym, then we look at intricate factors that no one considers but make a huge difference! Oftentimes when assessing the durability of bars, simply by looking at their specifications can give you an idea about whether or not they will last given enough use. For example, if there’s nowhere for dirt particles to settle on top due to clean surfaces without getting stuck between threads – which would cause rusting faster than normal.
The type of bearings used in barbells can make a world difference when it comes to durability. Needle-type bearings have smoother spins, but they’re more expensive and prone to break easily, whereas ball or bushing styles are fewer caretakers; generally speaking, these will last longer even if you drop your weights on occasion.
Price
Let’s be honest, unless you are Elon Musk the price is going to matter. We consider the price of a barbell when selecting which one to buy. Bar prices can range from around $150 for an under-$300 model all the way up into high competition class with costs ranging upward at about 1000 dollars or more.
We make sure these bars don’t just have expensive features without reason behind them – like quality, specification/approval by IWF/IPF standards and durability- so you’re getting your money’s worth regardless if it is on budget constraints or not.
Different Types of Barbells
As you can probably tell, there are a variety of different barbells on the market, many of which look and operate very differently from what you’re maybe used to seeing at the gym. Below, we’ll go over several of the more well-known types of barbells, some specialty bars, and how they operate. That way, you’ll be better informed when determining which will work best for you and what you’re trying to focus on.
The Standard Bar
Known as the standard for a reason, the standard barbell is probably what most people think about when they think of a barbell. They’re the most common type of barbell found in commercial gyms and can be used for just about any type of lift.
Standard barbells tend to weigh between 44 and 45lbs and are generally made from coated steel. They are generally engraved with knurling (the etched surface used for gripping) and are considered the basis from which all other barbells are derived.
The Axle Bar
The axle barbell stands out primarily for its incredible thickness. Compared to most barbells out there, which generally can only reach between 1 and 1.15 inches in diameter, axle bars are often easily at a full 2 inches, making them wholly unique in the barbell landscape.
Because of their large diameter, axle bars are great for improving and developing your grip strength while also being a more challenging barbell for performing deadlifts due to their lack of bend or “whip”.
Unless you are at a specialty gym, it’s unlikely you’ll come across axle bars. These are most often seen at performance gyms or very specific strongman competitions.
The Cambered Bar
Cambered barbells are also known as “EZ-grip” bars. This is due to their signature “bent” appearance. These barbells are specifically designed around offering a comfortable lifting experience for the wrists and elbows while their ergonomic handles make holding onto them much easier compared to standard bars. Compared to standard barbells, cambered bars are ideal for those with more sensitive wrists or who are suffering from intermittent elbow pain.
Because of their bent shaft appearance, cambered bars are generally going to be a bit shorter compared to standard or Olympic bars. The good news is that you can find them in most gyms with either fixed or loadable weights.
The Duffalo Bar
Developed by the powerlifter Chris Duffin, the Duffalo bar is not too dissimilar from the standard barbell. The only real difference is its respective shape. Unlike standard bars, which are straight all the way through, Duffalo bars have a slight curve that runs across their shaft.
Duffalo bars are fairly common in most gyms, with the curve allowing users a greater range of motion when performing a bench press. This is because the arm can sink deeper behind the torso before the bar itself reaches the chest. The Duffalo bar is also great for squats, as it offers a more comfortable grip and allows for an easier time achieving a low-bar position.
The Elephant Bar
Elephant bars are probably one of the barbells you’ll never see outside of very specific strongman competitions. Created by the Arnold Classic strongman competition’s supplier, Rogue Fitness, the Elephant bar is intended to carry an extreme amount of weight while not giving when lifted.
Elephant bars are defined by their elongated shafts while also holding thicker and larger weight plates on either end. Both of these things work to give the barbell that signature “bendy” nature when being lifted. In fact, because of the flexibility of the shaft and the incredible weights being loaded, most users will have to “pull” on the weight quite a bit before the weights manage to lift off of the ground. This makes fully extending your knees and hips easier and allows for a full range of motion.
The Fixed Bar
Fixed barbells are similar to standard barbells with the exception being that their weights are preestablished. This makes them much more convenient and easier to get used to compared to loadable weight bars. On the other hand, these lose the customization factor, essentially making it harder to progress unless you get an entirely separate fixed bar.
Fixed barbells are similarly found in most gyms and often exist along 10lb increments (10,20,30,40lb etc). They are a great option for those that are beginners and find themselves a bit too intimidated by standard barbells.
The Log Bar
Log bars are well-known thanks to their particularly unique look. Like axle bars, log bars are distinct for their use in strongman events and competitions. Here, they are essentially large steel cylinder that has two holes for you to place your hand where, inside, there is a neutral-grip handle.
Log bars are great for those that want to stress their muscles. They are commonly used for overhead presses as well as push presses.
The Olympic Bar
The Olympic barbell works slightly differently compared to powerlifting bars or standard bars. These barbells are generally a bit on the thinner side, weighing around 44lbs while measuring out between 1.06 inches and 1.14 inches.
Olympic barbells are noteworthy due to their fluid spin motion. This spinning allows users to quickly turn the hand over, performing a super clean snatch. They tend to have knurling in their center and are often meant to rest on the collarbone when performing squat lifts or squat presses.
The Powerlifting Bar
The powerlifting bar or power bar is, as the name implies, meant primarily for powerlifters. These barbells are especially rigid and offer almost no bend (with slight exceptions for deadlifters). These barbells tend to have knurling at their center to better secure the upper back for squat lifts.
The Safety Bar
Safety squat bars, like cambered bars, are built primarily around support and comfort. In this case, safety bars are ideally meant for those that are suffering from restricted shoulder mobility or otherwise may find placing a barbell on your upper back to be too challenging.
These barbells have separate handles that are attached to the bar itself. These handles will normally sit along the back while having some type of padding for the neck. All of this works to have an easier time performing squats while also straining your back and neck as little as possible.
The Swiss Bar
Swiss barbells often provide some of the most variety when it comes to grip positions. Rather than only a single long shaft, Swiss bars will usually have several different handles available, all of which offer a different angle setup.
Swiss bars, while not everywhere, are great for those that may be suffering from an injury or interested in stimulating a different part of the chest or shoulders. They come in a variety of different sizes and lengths, with smaller versions being ideal for hammer curls.
The Trap Bar
Trap barbells are aptly named, coming in the form of hexagonal “traps” which hold your entire body inside. Or is it because they are great for working your traps?
Here, the handles are located adjacent to your legs and are primarily used to shift the location of the weight relative to one’s gravitational center.
Rather than having the resistance at your midline, the trap bar works to improve your leverage, thus bringing the resistance even closer to you. These barbells are generally more comfortable and easier to operate than standard bars while also being great for loaded carries, making them exceptional when it comes to conditioning-based workouts.
The Tsunami Bar
The Tsunami bar is great for those looking to add a bit of instability to their lifts. This is because the Tsunami barbell shares much with the Elephant bar in terms of its flexibility and bendy nature. This works similarly to the Elephant bar in that one has a shorter range of motion.
The difference between the two options, however, is the nature behind their bending. Whereas this specialty bar bends due to the extreme amounts of weight loaded onto it, this is designed to bend even with relatively little weight put onto it. This makes it highly effective for those looking to train their stabilizers and core muscles as well as their arms.
The Women’s Bar
Meant ideally for women weightlifters, the women’s barbell is considerably shorter and thinner compared to most of the other barbell types on this list. They generally weigh around 33lbs and measure 0.98 inches (25mm) in diameter. They tend to have a wider snatch grip due to women often having smaller hands than men.
What To Look For In a Barbell
Whether you’re looking for something to improve your deadlift, continue your workout at home from the gym, or you’re just getting started, there are a few key things to focus on when it comes to deciding what type of barbell you want.
#1. Steel Quality
The first and most important thing you want to pay attention to is the steel quality your bar has. When we say “steel quality”, that’s a bit of a misnomer. Generally speaking (unless you’re getting your bar from China) steel quality in and of itself shouldn’t be an issue. The main issue is moreso “steel strength”.
Steel strength deals with the bar’s weight-bearing capacity as well as its tensile strength.
For weight-bearing capacity, largely relates to how much weight your bar can handle when working out. Generally, when looking it up, the number listed will be a total amount rather than per side. For example, this means that a bar with a 700lb weight-bearing capacity can push no more than 350lbs on either side, without any more threatening the integrity of the barbell itself.
On the other hand, tensile strength largely has to deal with the overall durability of the bar. Whereas weight-bearing capacity deals with whatever’s on it at that moment, the bar’s tensile strength relates to the cumulative weight put on it over its lifetime. Taking our aforementioned example with the 700lbs, if you were to take it off and put it back on, the tensile strength would be tested by 1,400lbs rather than 700lbs. This is because the high weight placed on it doesn’t leave the bar unscathed.
As a result of this, you want a bar with as high a weight-bearing capacity and tensile strength as you can get, both of these numbers essentially resulting in a bar that lasts longer and has fewer chances of suffering any lasting damage and falling apart while using it.
#2. Knurling
Knurling may have (before reading this overview) been a completely foreign word to you. That’s ok. Simply put, knurling is the etched texture placed on either handle as a means of improving your grip. It is an incredibly important part of the weight, as a lack of it can very easily result in you losing your grip and potentially hurting yourself or someone close to you at the time. It’s not an exaggeration that, outside of steel quality, knurling is the most important factor to consider when dealing with a barbell.
This is because, while it is incredibly important that you have it aggressive enough to cling to your hand, you also don’t want it “too” aggressive, as this can result in cutting or irritating the skin. You want to find a proper balance between “not enough and it falls” and “too much and your hand’s bleeding”.
#3. Spin
Spin, while fairly important, isn’t quite as serious as the other two points listed. Essentially, spin relates to the reduction of centrifugal force on the weight plates when lifting them. It’s also useful when performing cleans and deadlifts.
While spins are important, you don’t need them to be too crazy. Just a reasonable amount when lifting the bar should be fine.
#4. Coating Finish
Coating, like spinning, is important up to a point. Certainly the higher grade the better, but you shouldn’t throw away a good barbell just because it doesn’t have the right finish.
Essentially, coating finish is the material they use to coat the barbell. This helps prevent scratching which can result in oxidative corrosion and rust. Odds are every barbell, regardless of what is claimed, will have some level of scratches, rust, or corrosion affect their bar at some point.
These materials do wear at the barbell’s overall longevity, though it isn’t that big of a problem so long as you’re vigilant and quick to respond to any rust you come across.
#5. Price
Next up is the price. Price is very important. You want to be mindful of your budget while also tending to stay on anything between $150-200 and higher. Keep in mind that the lower you go on price, the more you’ll have to likely forfeit in terms of quality. And, unlike many other things, a lack of quality can potentially result in a lack of barbell integrity, meaning that a good barbell is also a safe barbell.
#6. Warranty
Lastly, the warranty is a great rubber stamp of approval for the bar. If your bar has a warranty, that means the company knows and understands the value of what they’ve offered and is willing to stand by its product with money on the line.
The longer the warranty is good, the higher quality the barbell is. No one is insuring against junk.
Closing Statements
A lot of people out the think all barbells are the same, but that simply is not the case. If you’re looking to buy a barbell for your home gym, there are a few key factors you need to keep in mind: weight capacity and tensile strength, knurling, spin, coating finish, price, and warranty.
All of these factors will come into play when deciding which barbell is the best for you and your home gym. With that being said, the best barbells for home gyms are typically between $150-200 and have a warranty of at least 2 years. Now get out there and buy yourself a barbell!
Ryan is a former college wrestler and lifelong fitness fanatic. He has run half marathons, done mud runs, placed in body transformation contests, coached wrestling, and now coaches girls’ soccer. Not to mention he has also tried literally hundreds of supplements over the years and has a vast and thorough supplement knowledge. He has written for Muscle & Strength, Testosterone Junkie, The Sport Review and other publications. He is also the editor-in-chief of this website and has over 25 years of experience in the fitness industry. Feel free to connect with him on his LinkedIn page below.
