An Olympic bar (Oly Bar) is a must if you want a well-equipped home gym. With a quality bar and a pair of dumbbells, you can perform dozens of exercises and improve every aspect of your fitness.
This article explains the essential features of an Olympic bar. We looked at 15 dumbbells and came up with a list of five recommended dumbbells, each with something special to offer, depending on what you're looking for.
Let's start!
quick look
| Rogue Fitness Ohio Bar - Best Overall Olympic Bar |
| Eleiko IWF Weightlifting Training Bar - Best Olympic Weightlifting Bar |
| Bells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0 - Best Low Cost Olympic Bar |
| Eleiko XF Bar - Best Multipurpose Olympic Bar |
| Rogue Bella Bar - Best Women's Olympic Bar |
The best Olympic bars for your home gym
Here are our five favorite Olympic dumbbells, including their top specs and some of their top pros and cons.
Rogue Fitness Ohio Bar - Best Overall Olympic Bar
Tensile Strength: 190,000 PSI
Bar weight: 20 kg
Kneaded: Medium
Central knurling: No
Execution: Multiple executions
OBarra Rogue Ohiois by far one of our favorite dumbbells Rogue Fitness has ever made. The standard Ohio bar comes with a black oxide finish, but we prefer the durability and grip of the Cerakote finish.
This bar is 86.61" long with 16.34" elastic sleeve sections. This Olympic bar features a balanced knurling for a good grip. It is designed to produce normal "whiplash" in Olympic lifting, but with enough stiffness to handle heavy lifting.
Benefits:
- The Ohio Bar Association has aF8-R Classificationwhich means it has above average durability and resistance to oxidation.
- The standard serrated sections of the bar provide a good grip without tearing the skin.
Disadvantages:
- The grooves near the sleeve tops sometimes cause the plates to get stuck when sliding in and out.
Eleiko IWF Weightlifting Training Bar - Best Olympic Weightlifting Bar
Tensile Strength: 215,000 PSI
Bar weight: 20 kg
Kneaded: Medium
Central knurling: Yes
Finish: chrome
If you're looking for a bar that's optimized for Olympic lifting, look no further.Eleiko IWF Weightlifting Training Bar. This Olympic bar is certified by the IWF. It features weightlifting handle markings and sleeves with the needle bearings you need for weightlifting.
This bar is 86.61" long with 16.34" elastic sleeve sections. This Oly stick features a balanced knurling for a good grip. It also has the classic swing that anyone who has used an Eleiko bar will recognize.
This bar comes with a 12-year warranty and a handy cleaning brush with a magnetic mount to attach to the posts of your squat rack.
Benefits:
- Precision needle roller bearings give the sleeves a smooth and fast spin.
- This bar has dust-proof seals on the handles to keep it in pristine condition.
Disadvantages:
- This Eleiko weightlifting bar is too expensive for anyone on a tight budget.
Bells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0 - Best Low Cost Olympic Bar
Tensile Strength: 210,000 PSI
Bar Weight: 44 lbs/20 kg
Kneaded: Aggressive
Central knurling: Yes
Execution: Shaft made of bright steel, sleeves hardened chrome
Bells of Steel created an inexpensive Olympic bar when it began productionBarenaked 2.0 Weightlifting Bar. This Oly rail is a multi-purpose design notched to meet IPF specifications.
The Barenaked bar is 86.6 inches long and uses bushings on each sleeve designed for slower lifts and relatively whipless to serve as a bar for weightlifting training.
This Olympic bar is a fantastic option if cross training is your thing. It's an even better option if you're looking for a solid return that won't drain your bank account.
Benefits:
- The 1,500 lb. static weight rating means the Barenaked Bar can handle any heavy weight you throw at it.
- Aggressive knurling ensures you always have a good grip.
Disadvantages:
- Bare steel surface is susceptible to rust/oxidation if not properly cleaned and cared for
Eleiko XF Bar - Best Multipurpose Olympic Bar
Tensile Strength: 215,000 PSI
Bar weight: 20 kg
Kneaded: Flat
Central knurling: No
Finish: chrome
If you like Crossfit or want to train in different lifting sports, this is theEleiko XF-BarIt is an excellent choice for an Olympic multifunctional dumbbell. The XF has mixed tooth and flat tooth configurations so you can train in long workouts without hurting your hands.
This multi-purpose bar measures 86.61″ long and accommodates 16.34″ long loadable cases. Needle bearings and bushings are of high quality and are suitable for explosive Olympic movements.
A fantastic option for anyone involved in functional training, this Eleiko bar will be with you for years to come.
Benefits:
- Notched configurations for powerlifting and weightlifting make this bar perfect for all styles of training.
- The flat knurling has less grip but is extremely comfortable during high volume sessions.
Disadvantages:
- The multipurpose design means this bar is not ideal for powerlifting or powerlifting specialists.
Rogue Bella Bar - Best Women's Olympic Bar
Tensile Strength: 190,000 PSI
Bar weight: 15 kg
Kneaded: Medium
Central knurling: No
Execution: Multiple executions
ORogue Fitness Bella Baris our most popular women's Olympic bar. It comes in several styles and features the same tensile strength as Rogue's flagship Ohio bar.
The Bella is 79.13″ long with 13″ elasticated sleeves on both sides. This Oly bar is a multi-purpose training bar, which means it has notched markings for powerlifting and powerlifting.
The Bella bar uses bushings for a smooth and reliable turning of the mitts. It offers a responsive tab that is ideal for snaps, cleans, and quick hits.
Benefits:
- The Bella Bar is backed by Rogue's Lifetime Build Warranty.
- The shorter length and small diameter make this Oly bar perfect for explosive female athletes.
Disadvantages:
- The F6-R's durability rating is not as high as many of Rogue's other Olympic bars.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in an Olympic Bar
An Olympic bar is a simple piece of equipment. But it still has some specifications that you should understand before buying one.
types of dumbbells
People commonly refer to any bar that is at least 7 feet long and has 2-inch-wide rotating sleeves as an Olympic bar. But several dumbbells have these qualities, including Olympic, strength, and all-purpose dumbbells.
Olympic weightlifting bar
Manufacturers design this type of bar expressly for the official sport of weightlifting (as defined by theInternational Weightlifting Federation[IMF]). Manufacturers optimize these bars for snatches and cleans, the two movements performed in competitive powerlifting.
Single beams tend to be very "whippy" (the term used to describe how much the beam vibrates). These bars also have fast turning smooth sleeves and moderate to aggressive knurling.
Only competition bars always have a central boss, but many training bars do not.
energy bar
Powerbars, also called powerlifting bars, are used in powerlifting. Manufacturers make power bars for lifters to use for the big 3 lifts (squat, bench press, and deadlift).
A competition energy bar must meet theseInternational Weightlifting Federation(IPF). Still, many versions of training energy bars have more variations in specifications.
Power Bars are very stiff with little to no lash. Most strength bars have aggressive teeth and sleeves with less rotation than an Olympic bar. Most energy bars have a medium notch.
utility bar
As their name suggests, multipurpose dumbbells, sometimes calledcrossfitDumbbells are a good choice when you want to do various types of exercises, including powerlifting and weightlifting.
These all-purpose dumbbells often have notched markings that meet IWF and IPF standards. Sometimes these bars have a center bulge, but usually there is no center bulge.
All-purpose dumbbells have a moderate shake quality and smooth rotating sleeves that fall between Olympic and strength dumbbells in terms of rotation speed.
Weight
Men's Olympic dumbbells weigh 20 kg (44 pounds), or sometimes 45 pounds. The same applies regardless of whether the bar is a single, power, or multi-purpose bar.
Olympic bars for women weigh 15 kg (around 33 pounds) or sometimes 35 pounds.
Beware of Oly bars weighing more than 45/35lbs as this could indicate a poor quality product.
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Standard lengths for men's and women's Oly bars are around 7 feet. If you want an IWF rated Oly competition bar, the sizes should be 2200mm and 2010mm for men and women respectively.
Power and utility bars may vary slightly in size, but we recommend sticking to the 7-foot measurement.
tensile strength
the tensile strength isIt is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). It measures how much stress a bar can take before breaking. Dumbbell manufacturers like to market this specification to show off the strength of their dumbbells.
In general, the higher the tensile strength of a rod, the less it vibrates. But other aspects of a bar also contribute to its impact.
We recommend finding an Oly bar with a minimum tensile strength of 190,000 PSI.
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There are many versions, each with its own qualities. Here are some of the most popular options:
plain steel
A natural or bare steel bar is simply an unfinished carbon steel bar. Raw steel bars have a more natural grip when knurled and are less expensive than finished bars.
Raw steel, on the other hand, rusts quickly and requires regular maintenance.
stainless steel
The stainless steel bars are unfinished. However, because they use stainless steel instead of carbon, they are more resistant to rust.
Unfinished stainless steel barbells are significantly more expensive than unfinished carbon steel bars.
black oxide
Black oxide is a fine finish that only slightly improves the oxidation resistance of an Oly bar compared to pure steel. Black oxide requires regular maintenance, especially if it scratches the bar a lot.
However, compared to thicker finishes like zinc, black oxide retains the original grip quality of the handlebar knurling.
zinc
The zinc finishes on the dumbbells are available in clear or black versions. The main difference is purely aesthetic, but some lifters find black zinc to have a less natural hold than clear zinc.
Zinc resists rust, but not as well as chrome, cerakote, or stainless steel. The zinc finished Oly handlebar can be a good compromise between performance and affordability.
chrome
Manufacturers finish some of their dumbbells with satin or rough chrome. Oly chrome bars are highly resistant to rust. Chrome is also resistant to fading, chipping, and scratching.
A chrome bar has a natural grip, but if the bar only has light to medium knurling, you may want a heavier grip.
Chromium is more expensive than zinc or black oxide, but it's worth it.
Cerakote
The Cerakote finish has recently gained popularity and has become the preferred choice of many lifters. Cerakote allows many different colors and designs to be used in a single bar.
When it comes to performance, the Cerakote is like chrome. It is highly resistant to rust and abrasion, providing a firm grip and improving the overall durability of the Olympic bar.
Migration
The knurling is the three-dimensional engraving cut into the bar to give firmness to the hands. The knurling/gripping is not standardized and is highly preferred. Your best bet is to try to get a specific bar to test the knurling before buying.
There are three basic knurling styles: mountain, volcano, and flat.
Iceberg
The knurling of the mountain comes to a point at the top of the peaks. This knurling provides excellent grip, but can be difficult to maintain during a long training session.
volcano
The volcano's jagged has a slight bulge at the ends. The purpose of Volcano knurling is to provide excellent grip and reduce stress from sharp edges, such as those found on mountain saws.
Department
Flat (or bumpy) knurling is flat on top. It is the softest on the skin but offers the least support. The flat tooth is often found on cheap dumbbells.
Find the right Olympic bar for you
You got! You now have the knowledge to go ahead and find the perfect Olympic bar for your home gym.
If you want to specialize in the sport of weightlifting, or want to train in other areas like powerlifting and crossfit, you can find an Oly bar that works in this article.
We hope this article has been useful to you.training motivationand provided the answers you need to live a healthier, happier life today.
FAQs
What size Olympic barbell should I get? ›
Pick your barbell based on sport – For CrossFit, Olympic weightlifting, or powerlifting, using a standard 7 or 8 feet barbell is best for training. They'll fit in a squat rack and allow you to deadlift and squat heavy weights.
How much should I pay for an Olympic barbell? ›Olympic barbells are heavier, made of more durable materials, and usually much bigger than standard barbells. For these reasons, they tend to cost a lot more. These can cost from $150 to well over $1000 depending on the quality and design.
Do I really need an Olympic barbell? ›Quick summary of the differences
Good olympic bars will typically carry higher weight ratings and can handle much higher weight than standard bars, that are made from a cheaper steel and often carry only entry level weight ratings of 100 - 150kg. Choose Olympic if you want to lift heavy.
The best barbell for most home gym owners is an Olympic bar with 2″ diameter sleeves, medium depth knurl, a diameter of 28.5-29mm, a weight capacity of 700 lbs or more, and a stainless steel or hard chrome finish. A bar with these specs will be perfect for the average lifter and last them a lifetime.
Are all Olympic bar 45 lbs? ›No, not all barbells are 45 pounds (20kg). Olympic barbells, used for competitive weightlifting, typically weigh 45 pounds (20kg), but other types of barbells can have different weights.
What is the difference between 6ft and 7ft barbell? ›OLYMPIC BARBELL SIZES
Olympic barbells come in a variety of lengths and weights. Most commonly, 7ft Olympic barbells (51-52inch) weigh 20kg and their 6ft (45-46inch) counterparts weigh 15kg.
Booker suggests women generally start with a set of two 5- to 10-pound weights, and men start with a set of two 10- to 20-pound weights. How to: Stand with a weight in each hand, near hips, palms forward. Shoulders and elbows should be pinned against the wall.
What size barbell is best for beginners? ›If you're just beginning your lifting journey, then we recommend going with a lighter barbell like a 15 lb technique barbell or a 35 lb barbell. If you know that you are in this for the long haul, then go ahead and go with the 45 lb Olympic bar, as this will be the bar you eventually progress to.
How heavy is a 7 foot Olympic bar? ›Achieve a better build with the Fitness Gear 7' Olympic Bar that increases strength, stamina and cardiovascular endurance. Featuring a 300 lb maximum weight capacity, this high-quality bar weighs 45 lbs and is made of solid chrome steel to take on the heaviest loads.
How heavy is Olympic barbell bar? ›Olympic barbells are 7 feet long and will weigh 45 lbs. Typically the thickness or diameter of the bars can fluctuate depending on the manufacturer or style. The difference in diameter will affect the bar's maximum weight capabilities.
What do I need to know before buying a barbell? ›
Tensile Strength is the breaking point of the barbell. This is rated in pounds per square inch (PSI). 165,000 PSI is a good minimum to look for when purchasing a new weight lifting barbell. Generally, anything over 180,000 PSI is a decent barbell.
Is it worth having a barbell at home? ›Fitness experts say barbells can be a worthwhile at-home gym investment if you're looking to amp up your strength training in 2021. “If you have access to one, you can use it for a ton of different exercises to build full body strength,” explained Darren Tomasso, director of training at Session NYC.
What material is best for barbell? ›Most barbells are built with some type of steel. Higher-end barbells are typically made with stainless steel. For the coating, barbells that use black oxide, Cerakote, and zinc all tend to provide solid durability. Another factor worth keeping an eye on is the sleeve coating.
How heavy is a 8ft Olympic bar? ›Key Features of the 8ft Olympic Power Bar
Bar weight: 21kg. 8ft Long. 32 mm spring steel black zinc plated shaft.
Vulcan Standard 28mm Olympic Training Barbell Review
The Vulcan Standard 28mm Olympic Training Barbell has mild to medium knurl making it suitable for higher rep work.
Use in Olympic weightlifting
A men's Olympic bar is a metal bar that is 2.2 metres (7.2 ft) long and weighs 20 kilograms (44 lb). The outer ends are 50 millimetres (1.96 in) in diameter, while the grip section is 28 millimetres (1.1 in) in diameter, and 1.31 metres (4.3 ft) in length.
Bar Includes Two Spring Collars Holds a Max Weight of 1000 lbs.
How long should my barbell be? ›Barbells come in all shapes and sizes, but the standard length is 7.2 ft for men and ~6.5 ft for women.
What is the difference between barbell and Olympic bar? ›Standard bars usually weigh in around 15 to 25 pounds, and range between 5 and 6 feet long whereas an Olympic bar weighs in between 33 to 45 pounds depending on whether it's a women's 15kg Olympic Weightlifting Bar or 20kg men's bar, and is either 6.6 feet or 7.2 feet in length.
Is a thicker barbell better? ›Thick-bar training can help to distribute weight more evenly across the body. With a regular one-inch bar handle, your forearm flexors (muscles on the bottom of the forearm) do all the work to hold the bar.
How much does a 6ft Olympic barbell weigh? ›
The shaft of this bar measures 45.75-inches between the sleeves (so be sure to measure your equipment to ensure the bar will fit prior to purchasing). The bar is made with 63,800 PSI tensile strength steel. Bar weighs approximately 28 pounds.
How heavy is a 7ft standard bar? ›Your standard straight barbell weighs 45 pounds, is about 7 feet long, and can be used for most lifts, including squats, deadlifts, bent-over rows, overhead presses, and even biceps curls, says Wickham.
Should I start with an empty barbell? ›Some of the strongest lifters on the planet start their workouts with an empty bar. Here's why you should too. The longer you take to warm-up on your initial movement, the better your working sets will feel, and starting with the empty bar to see how your body is feeling on that day will tell you a lot early on.
How much weight should I lift according to my weight? ›Choose a weight that allows you to do the first set of 10 reps with moderate difficulty. 1 By the end of the tenth rep, you should find it somewhat difficult to lift but not so difficult that you are straining, holding your breath, or shaking excessively. If that's happening, drop it down a little.
Is a 20 pound barbell good? ›It's a great weight for beginners because 20 lbs won't be too hard on the wrists/shoulders compared to 25's or 30's. With 20's you can still get a great pump, whereas with 15's one might leave the gym feeling a bit short of a great workout. For the more advanced, 20 lb dumbbells are still amazing!
How much should I spend on a barbell? ›How Much Does A Good Barbell Cost? A well-made, multi-purpose Olympic barbell ideal for garage and basement gyms will cost between $350 and $450. This range is perfect for most people training at home. Premium barbells can cost $900 or more but are often overkill.
Do I need a 7ft barbell? ›Bench presses are typically done with a straight barbell. If your rack is full sized, then you'll need a straight, 7ft barbell, a 6ft International Bar or a Women's Olympic Barbell. You can also vary your bench presses by using an Olympic Swiss bar.
How much difference does a good barbell make? ›If you're in love with lifting, you need to be lifting on a great bar. Your hands will grip better and more secure, the whip as you clean and snatch will help you dial in your form, the smooth rotation of the collars will help you turn the bar on heavy lifts, and your training sessions will be barbell-zen.
How much does a Olympic 700 pound bar weigh? ›Specifications: Rating: 700 lbs (factory testing only) Weight: 20 kg. Dimensions: 2,200 mm long x Ø30 mm shaft.
What's the heaviest Olympic bar? ›...
Primal Strength Its Heavy 4 Needle Steel Olympic Bar.
| Weight | 21.0 kg |
|---|---|
| Warranty | See Warranty Information in Product Description |
How heavy is a 4ft Olympic bar? ›
4ft Bar – Total Length: 120cm – Sleeve Length: 17cm – Length of Middle Bar: 82.5cm – Middle Bar Diameter: 2.5cm – Sleeve Diameter: 5cm – Bar Weight: 7.4kg.
What is the price of 7ft Olympic barbell? ›7 ft. Olympic Bar, weight: 20 Kg and silver in color at Rs 2500/piece in Jalandhar.
How heavy is a 5ft Olympic barbell? ›5ft Barbell Specifications: Barbell length: 150cm - loading sleeve length: 26cm - centre section length: 94cm - centre section grip diameter: 25mm - bar weight: 9.5kg (approx)
How much does the bar weigh at Planet Fitness? ›The Smith machines at Planet Fitness will have the bar weight written on the side of the machine. So, you can just have a look, but they should range from 15-20lbs. Note: Some PF gyms may have heavier bars, as we've seen members claim their Planet Fitness gym's Smith machine weighs 35lbs.
Are Olympic weights better than standard? ›In truth, Olympic weights win by almost every comparison. Olympic plates are less disruptive while lifting, more adaptable and they are the weight of choice for competition. However, standard plates are often priced lower and are fine for lifters who aren't looking to go too heavy.
How many plates fit on a barbell? ›Standard barbells can hold four rubber coated weight plates or urethane bumper plates on either side, unless they are the thinner competition bumper plates.
What is the most common barbell? ›1) Standard Bar
Power bars are the most common type of barbell. They're typically 7 feet long and fairly rigid, though they do bend a bit when heavily loaded. They vary greatly in quality as well as the amount of weight they are able to support.
However, if you are training in a highly humid area, then hard chrome is more resistant, followed by cerakote and stainless steel as the most resistant. The main drawback of bright zinc is that it feels less natural than black oxide bars.
How many barbells do you need for a home gym? ›The number of barbells in your home gym depends on the type of equipment you possess. It may be worth investing in two to three barbells, so you have one ready for your bench press, deadlift, and squat when it's time for those exercises.
Should you leave weights on a barbell? ›Barbell Storage
Bars are designed to hold weight during lifts, but not permanently. If you leave plates on the bar longer than necessary, the bar will bend. Stripping your bars will protect the bar but it will also make the next user a lot happier than if they had to strip the bar before use.
What barbell does not rust? ›
A cerakote barbell is an Olympic barbell that's been coated in a ceramic polymer coating called “Cerakote”. Cerakote is known for its abrasion and rust resistant properties and its ability to come in many different colours.
How can you tell the quality of a barbell? ›The higher the tensile strength, the better quality the barbell will be. Our general guide is this: 120K to 150K PSI: Durable enough for beginners and those who do not lift and drop heavy weight. 150K to 180K PSI: Can withstand heavy weight and dropping in most gyms.
What type of barbell for Olympic weightlifting? ›Dual-Marked / Multi-Purpose Bars
Many of the most popular bars on the market right now are dual-marked bars. These bars will allow you to perform both the explosive Olympic lifts and the slower powerlifting lifts all on the same bar. These bars are generally 28.5 mm bushing bars, but some variation does exist.
A straight bar is more effective in building your muscle as it places your biceps into full supination, which can have positive and negative effects. A completely supinated grip optimizes your biceps, allowing your muscles to grow faster than when using an EZ curl barbell.
What is the difference between 6ft and 7ft Olympic bar? ›OLYMPIC BARBELL SIZES
Olympic barbells come in a variety of lengths and weights. Most commonly, 7ft Olympic barbells (51-52inch) weigh 20kg and their 6ft (45-46inch) counterparts weigh 15kg.
Most gyms and commercial fitness centers have Olympic barbells because they hold more weight and are more durable than regular barbells. In comparison to the Olympic barbells, standard barbells are shorter and lighter.
Are all Olympic barbells the same? ›One of the main differences between the “old standard” and Olympic barbells is their sleeves. The length, the diameter, and their ability to spin are just some of the differences.
How much does a good barbell cost? ›How Much Does A Good Barbell Cost? A well-made, multi-purpose Olympic barbell ideal for garage and basement gyms will cost between $350 and $450. This range is perfect for most people training at home. Premium barbells can cost $900 or more but are often overkill.
Do Olympic weights fit all bars? ›Olympic Discs have a 2" (50.6mm) diameter centre hole. These come as a standard size across the whole fitness industry. This is beneficial as they fit all commercial bars and most plate loaded gym equipment ranges such as our Sterling range.
What should I look for when buying a barbell? ›Tensile Strength is the breaking point of the barbell. This is rated in pounds per square inch (PSI). 165,000 PSI is a good minimum to look for when purchasing a new weight lifting barbell. Generally, anything over 180,000 PSI is a decent barbell.
What size barbell is best? ›
What Size To Get? Size does matter on barbells. Both the length and the diameter will vary to suit the desired whip, but most barbells should be between 28mm and 29mm in diameter – don't go any lower. Olympic bars tend to be 28-28.5mm for adequate whip, while squat bars will be more like 29mm.
How heavy is a 6ft Olympic bar? ›...
SKU.
| Length | 6ft |
|---|---|
| Colour | Silver |