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Written by Jake BolyUpdated by Billy Brown, CFL2, USPA, PNL1 on September 25th, 2023 Weight Plate Barbell
Barbells are commercial and home gym essentials. Out of all the equipment you can find in a gym, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more versatile tool than the barbell for building strength. They’re great for any fitness level and can be used for any form of lifting — from general fitness to specialized lifting programs like powerlifting and Olympic weightlifting. If you’ve landed on this list, you’re probably interested in taking your training to the next level with the perfect barbell for your home gym and lifting style.
Similar to any other big home gym equipment purchase, buying a barbell should be handled with care and attention. There are many different types of barbells on the market, which can make it hard to find the best fit for your lifting needs. There are typical all-around barbells (probably what you think of when you picture a barbell), but also specialty bars like trap bars, safety squat bars, and so on. Our goal with this list of best barbells is to demystify some of the confusion that can come along with buying one. We’ve tested over 50 top-tier barbells firsthand and included video reviews to help you make an informed decision, so you can focus on lifting heavy — and often.
While you should still read this article in full, check out our video review of the best barbells on the market in 2023. Our Reviews Writer, Jake, takes you through all of our picks and explains why each one deserves its award.
Testing barbells is tedious, and it takes ample time to get it right. Some of the factors we considered when assessing our favorite barbells are the bar’s performance, durability, and price point.
The first thing we consider when testing a barbell is what each bar is designed for. The majority of barbells are designed and knurled for versatility to be used for general lifting. But specified barbells, like trap bars or powerlifting bars, have their own purposes. So, we tested each barbell for its performance in its intended purpose.
For example, if a company advertises an Olympic barbell and the sleeves hardly spin, then that may not rank so well. Conversely, if a company advertises a powerlifting bar and it has aggressive knurling, a center knurl, and very high tensile strength, that will rank better. We kept the customer’s goal in mind for each bar we tried and chose.
Another major component we consider is the barbell’s durability. We first assess how the barbell holds up over time in our gym, then we look at intricate product details. These are all the specs that the average customer may not understand, but make a huge difference! Oftentimes, we can infer about the durability of a barbell just by looking at its specs. Uncoated barbells (or chrome coat bars) probably aren’t as resistant to wear and tear as cerakote, heavy-duty coating, for instance. These also require more consistent maintenance and cleaning.
Other major durability factors are the types of bearings used. Needle bearings offer a smoother spin but are more expensive and delicate. On the other hand, ball bearings or bushings are less likely to need as much care and will generally last longer with repeated drops.
The final component we consider is the total product price. Barbells range in price from around $150 on the low end all the way up to $1,000 or more for competition standard, top-quality bars. We tie the performance specs into the price to find barbells for those on a budget who still want the most for their money. The bars can’t just be expensive without a cause, there has to be good reasoning behind the price — like the quality, specification/approval by IWF/IPF, and durability.
Living.Fit's chrome barbell is ideal for all types of exercise, including weightlifting, powerlifting, or Olympic lifting. The sleeves rotate smoothly and the bar is super durable.
A barbell is a significant investment. Aside from a squat rack and bench, your choice of barbell will likely be your most crucial gym equipment decision. It allows you to load weight onto your body, which means a high-quality barbell needs to be both durable and thoughtfully designed. After trying it ourselves, we think Living.Fit nailed it with a reliable barbell that performs for athletes at any level of fitness.
The Living.Fit chrome barbell has all the makings of a high-level barbell at an affordable price. We like how easily the sleeves rotate nonstop without spinning, making this bar suitable for both powerlifting and Olympic weightlifting. The sleeves deliver this consistent rotation thanks to a combination of needle bearings for smooth spin and brass bushings for resilience.
This bar is a Swiss army knife, ideal for higher-rep sets and various exercises thanks to the rotation and precise knurling pattern that provides a good grip. “These are multipurpose bars, which is why the knurling is more moderate and won’t tear up your hands,” says our personal tester Jake Herod.
Want to see this bar in action? Watch our tester try it out.
Living.Fit made this bar to be durable with minimal maintenance. Plus, Living.Fit offers a lifetime warranty, covering any material, functionality, or workmanship defects. While we think this is the best overall pick for a majority of athletes, it felt a little too flexible for competitive powerlifters who may prefer a stiffer bar.
Read our full Living.Fit Barbell Review.
The REP Fitness Colorado Bar is designed for all-around use, thanks to its high weight rating and multiple coating and knurling options. For Olympic weightlifters, the composite bushings provide a smooth collar spin with just a touch of friction.
You want to buy a barbell just once. Unless you’re competing at a very high level in a strength sport, a barbell like the REP Fitness Colorado Bar is one of the best options on the market. This bar is durable, well-engineered, and versatile enough to allow you to dabble in all different lifting arenas.
“Best” means different things to different lifters. We like that the Colorado Bar accommodates all types of exercises, offering the versatility most athletes need. “Versatility is a really important feature, in my opinion, with all home gym equipment and that’s really what is the main selling point with this bar,” Herod says. If you dabble in powerlifting, one of its dual knurling options is built to International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) standards. It’s also got a solid tensile strength, which makes it a great and somewhat cost-effective option for the heavy squats or presses.
Watch our tester try out REP’s Colorado Bar.
If jerking and snatching is more your speed, you’ll like this bar, too. The sleeves spin well thanks to composite bushings, providing a smooth but not frictionless spin, striking a happy medium. One downside? You’ll also want to watch for rust more than you would with cerakote or stainless steel if you go with the more cost-effective hard chrome finish.
Read our full REP Fitness Colorado Bar Review.
This barbell can withstand endless reps, thanks to its durable steel build. Plus, for those shopping on a budget, this is one of the cheapest options on the market.
Affordable doesn’t have to mean cheap. If you’re operating on a tighter budget, we found a pick that is both sturdy and budget-friendly. The Iron Bull Competition Bar is excellent for beginners and is built to accommodate many movements and lifting styles.
After trying it ourselves, we thought this bar was smooth and high-functioning. But its $200-price point makes it an ideal option for those on a budget, too. This also works very well as a “beater bar” that you can load up for different exercises, like landmine presses, that might damage your more expensive bars.
It does lack center knurling, which we’d like to see for more security when you’re back squatting. Its knurling is pretty moderate, and experienced lifters may find it too passive, especially for grip-heavy exercises like deadlifts and rows. “The knurling is solid for anybody who is doing high-repetition movements but it can get pretty slick at times,” Herod says. “So, if you’re a dedicated powerlifter doing a bunch of deadlifts, you might not be too crazy about this.”
Watch this bar in action and learn more about Herod’s take on this barbell.
Unlike other budget bars, this one has a 28.5mm diameter and dual knurl markings, though if you like a thicker bar, a 30mm diameter one might be easier on your wrists. The tensile strength is a little lower than other options on this list, so keep that in mind before you buy.
This powerlifting bar from DMoose is stiff and durable, which is exactly what you want when you're deadlifting, squatting, or pressing a bunch of weight. Plus, you get free shipping and returns.
Powerlifting is a strength sport that revolves around three lifts: the squat, the deadlift, and the bench press — and there are different bars designed for these movements. The DMoose Powerlifting Bar is built to handle ultra-heavy loads and is as stiff as any bar you are likely to encounter.
This bar is designed specifically to withstand the rigors of competitive powerlifting. We like that the bar has a high tensile strength, ideal for even your heaviest lifting sessions. The volcano knurling is more aggressive than what you’re probably used to handling in a commercial gym, which helps ensure your palms won’t slip during a heavy dead.
The bar comes in a cerakote coating shaft with cerakote coating sleeves, so it’s pretty wear-resistant. This bar also has center knurling, so it won’t slip when it’s on your back in the low-bar position.
This heavy-duty barbell can be loaded with lots of weight, has centered knurling for squatting, and offers up little to no whip or flex while lifting. All of these, plus a reasonable price, make it a great bar for aspiring powerlifters.
This highly versatile barbell sports a 190,000 PSI tensile strength rating, comes in 15 and 20kg, and utilizes self-lubricating bronze bushings for a smooth rotation.
CrossFit involves various lifts done for a lot of reps (usually more reps than any one person would otherwise subject themselves to). When choosing a CrossFit barbell, you need a more general barbell that, above all else, is durable as hell. Why? Because it’s going to get beat the hell up.
Does your CrossFit routine involve working on your max squat? Or are you working hard on integrating high-rep snatches into your WOD? Whatever your workout has you doing today, the Again Faster Pursuit Barbell can handle — and survive — it all. This barbell comes with volcano knurling, which is ideal for anyone performing high-rep lifts. “My favorite thing about this bar is the super grippy volcano-style knurling,” Herod says. There’s no center knurl either, which is ideal for moves like power cleans, as this missing element can prevent skin irritation on your chest.
Watch our tester try out Again Faster’s Pursuit Barbell.
It’s available in 15kg and 20kg so that you can tackle any CrossFit workout at any fitness level. Regardless of weight, the Again Faster Pursuit Barbell is constructed from 190,000 PSI steel and is made to spin thanks to its combination of needle bearings and ball bearings. Plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty, so you can rest assured it will hold up through all your CrossFit training sessions.
CrossFitters will appreciate the versatility of this barbell, which can accommodate powerlifting and weightlifting thanks to its varied grip and bearings that make for a great spin. Again Faster gave this bar extra durability with a hybrid self-lubricating bearing-bushing design, too, since they know you’ll be putting it through its paces.
Read our full Again Faster Pursuit Olympic Barbell Review.
The REP Fitness Colorado Bar is designed for all-around use, thanks to its high weight rating and multiple coating and knurling options. For Olympic weightlifters, the composite bushings provide a smooth collar spin with just a touch of friction.
A great weightlifting bar has to have good whip, just the right amount of knurling, and collars with enough spin to keep the bar steady during cleans and snatches. REP Fitness’s Colorado Bar not only checks all those boxes, but it’s also built to IWF specs, so it’ll be just like the bar you use on meet day.
This 20-kilogram barbell has gone through many iterations and years of testing to become the new flagship bar from REP Fitness. We found that the composite bushings allow for smooth, consistent rotation as we tried it out. They also have a noise-dampening effect, which is great considering we dropped the bar a ton while trying it out. Thanks to the 190k PSI rating, this bar is whippy and Herod had no issue performing smooth cleans, a crucial factor for weightlifting. Oftentimes, lifters use the oscillation to assist in the jerk portion of a clean & jerk.
We like the attention to detail with a 28.5mm diameter (the exact diameter of competition barbells), whereas most others are 28mm. This may not seem like much, but it’s enough to throw you off on meet day. REP’s bar is available in either hard chrome or cerakote, though you’ll pay more for the cerakote option. If you’re working in a garage gym or somewhere humid, it may be a good idea to invest the extra money in the cerakote finish for extra rust resistance.
For all its benefits, there is one downside: center knurling. We would have liked to see a center knurling on this bar since most of the bars you’ll use in competitions have it.
This barbell can withstand endless reps, thanks to its durable steel build. Plus, for those shopping on a budget, this is one of the cheapest options on the market.
The best barbell for beginners must accommodate several different lifting styles, as beginners rarely start with a particular specialization. The Iron Bull Competition Bar doesn’t restrict your choices and is versatile enough to test the waters in many different types of lifting.
When you’re just starting, it’s unlikely that you’ll know exactly what kind of lifts you’ll like best. You might also be excited to try out different kinds of lifting — so you’ll want a barbell that can accommodate that. Thankfully, the Iron Bull Competition bar has just what you need, with dual grip options and knurl marks for both powerlifting and weightlifting standards. These marks allow you to assume the correct grip width each time, whether grabbing the bar to bench press or doing some snatches. We like this because hand placement consistency is something that beginners often struggle with.
This is a bar that you won’t have to replace right away once you’ve gained some more experience and are lifting heavier weights — it’s well constructed with a 190,000 PSI tensile strength steel to make it strong, but still, it has a decent amount of whip. This bar is just as at home in a commercial gym as it would be in a home gym, but it costs less than some gyms’ monthly memberships. It also has a lifetime warranty, so you can feel confident in your purchase.
The Iron Bull Competition Barbell is strong, durable, and well-priced. As a beginner, those are all the right things to look for in a barbell. This isn’t a beater bar that you’ll have to replace after just a year or two, either. If you want a bar that can help you experiment with many different types of lifting without feeling restricted, this is it.
This powerlifting bar from DMoose is stiff and durable, which is exactly what you want when you're deadlifting, squatting, or pressing a bunch of weight. Plus, you get free shipping and returns.
For heavy squats, stability and grip is key, which is why you want a bar that is sturdy and has center knurling. A stiffer bar with less whip is also ideal to help you stay stable throughout the lift.
This power bar from DMoose is our pick due to its tensile strength, which allows the barbell to handle extremely heavy loads with no issues of deformation and very little whip. Low whip/flex is essential to allow you to maintain your technique. The stiffness prevents the bar from flexing and folding while you try to stand up from a squat (it’s not fun, trust us).
The thicker diameter also contributes to the bar’s stiffness, which can help prevent the plates from moving around as you squat. DMoose also utilizes volcano knurling, which is a moderate-to-agressive pattern that’ll help the bar stay glued to your shirt and back during heavy squats.
This bar is super stiff for stability with an extra millimeter of thickness and has a high tensile rating. When you hit the bottom of the squat with circa max weight, you’ll be glad you chose the DMoose Powerlifting Barbell.
The Bells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0 has some of the most aggressive knurling we've seen, so deadlifters won't have to worry about losing grip during heavy pulls. Plus, it has almost no flex, which will appeal to lifters who prefer not to have to pull the slack out before lifting.
There’s a saying in powerlifting: “The meet doesn’t start until the bar hits the floor.” Deadlifts are notoriously hard. If you really want to push up your numbers, it’s worth considering getting a specialized bar like the Bells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0.
This bar is slightly thicker in diameter (29mm), slightly longer in length (86.6 inches), and has virtually no whip when compared to a normal bar. All three of these characteristics mean that there will be no changes in the bar as the lift is pulled off the floor — a desirable design feature for heavy deadlifts. Our tester especially loved the bar’s knurling for powerlifting. “The knurling is sharp as a tack,” Herod says. “This barbell is not going to slip out of your hands if you’re going to do a super heavy deadlift, which is something you definitely want to happen.”
Check this barbell out and watch our tester give it a personal try.
With a 210,000 PSI tensile strength, the lack of whip is a part of the bar’s draw, which allows you to get into position and not have to worry as much about “pulling the slack out.” The worst feeling is immediately being out of position at the start of a deadlift because the bar bent too much. This helps prevent that.
The big drawback here is that the bar’s shaft has no coating and is bare steel — hence the name — which means it is very susceptible to rusting. You’ll have to take extra special care and clean this bar after every session.
This bar is a worthy choice for those with the money, space, and inclination to train deadlifts with such specificity. It has some of the most aggressive knurling on the market and basically no flex.
Read our full Bells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0 Review.
This barbell is perfect for athletes who perform a lot of Olympic lifting or CrossFit workouts, thanks to the smooth, low-friction spin.
For women, using a 28mm diameter bar when squatting or bench pressing shouldn’t impact their performance. However, any form of pulling or rowing can be much tougher. Hence the need for a specialized women’s barbell, like the Again Faster Pursuit Olympic Barbell.
Aside from being slightly smaller and lighter than a men’s bar, Again Faster didn’t dial back any other aspect of this bar. The Pursuit Olympic Barbell still has solid tensile strength at 190,000 PSI while providing a great whip for Olympic lifting. We like the bronze bushings inside the sleeves, as this material won’t wear down, allowing for low-friction, consistent spin.
The volcano-style knurling provides a solid feel in the hands but isn’t sharp enough to leave them in tatters after every session. You should keep in mind that the bushing may be prone to seizing if you drop this bar a ton from overhead. Also, the price is a little higher than other popular women’s bars, though we think the high quality justifies it.
A strong, whippy bar with a smaller diameter than men’s bars, the 15kg Again Faster Pursuit barbell is a great option for women looking for a high-quality bar for their lifts. This bar may be thinner and lighter, but that’s where the differences end. The Pursuit Olympic barbell is every bit as tough and high-quality as the men’s version of the bar.
The REP Fitness Open Trap Bar offers a high weight limit of 1,350 pounds, a built-in jack for easy loading and unloading of weights, and it's a rackable trap bar — meaning you can use it with your existing squat rack or power rack.
A trap bar is a hexagonal barbell with neutral grip handles on either side of the barbell, a design that allows for a more centered weight distribution than you have with a traditional barbell. Purists may object to a trap bar being on a list of the best barbells. However, they are excellent bars in their own right and can be a great tool in many situations. They’re accommodating and can also be used for more than just deadlifts, and the REP Fitness Open Trap Bar has versatility and design that goes above and beyond, making it our best trap bar pick.
There are many reasons to like this modern take on the classic trap bar. “I love the open design,” Herod says. “It makes it so much easier to get in and out of the bar.” You can also select the best handle width for you — wide, standard, narrow, or rotating. The knurled (optional) rotating handles add functionality and versatility, though they cost more. Also, REP’s design is more rounded on the inside, which allows for more room and easier movement during use.
Watch as Jake Herod puts this trap bar to the test.
This bar is heavier than a regular barbell at about 65 pounds with the standard handles. The weight capacity is extremely high for a trap bar, and the sleeves are standard barbell length, which is also rare to see on a trap bar.
Even in our equipment-specific garage, this bar takes up a lot of room, so it might be a pain to store. But one of our favorite features is that you can even rack this trap bar for some interesting, creative, and fun exercises like cambered squats.
Read our full REP Fitness Open Trap Bar Review.
The Synergee Games Cerakote barbell has a medium knurling, whip and has an above average tensile strength. Combine that with 10 needle bearings, and we think this barbell has a lot to offer many types of athletes.
Amazon can be a minefield for purchases, but we were very impressed with the Synergree Games barbell. It sports a set of great features that we’d want to see on similarly-priced bars elsewhere, and customer service promises a brand-new bar sent to you with no questions asked if you have an issue with your order.
This barbell is a popular choice for many CrossFit athletes and beginner trainees alike. It is cost-effective, designed to take a beating, and performs well consistently. Above-average tensile strength of 190,000 PSI, a cerakote finish, and 10 needle bearings make this bar a great value. It also helps that you can get this bar in your hands quickly in most cases, thanks to Prime two-day shipping.
As if that wasn’t enough, the weight rating on this barbell is 1,500 pounds, so you know you’ll be able to use it throughout the course of your strength journey. With proper care, this barbell can last you a lifetime, thanks to the corrosion-resistant cerakote. “My home gym is in the garage, so there is some moisture from time to time — this bar hasn’t shown the first sign of rust,” writes one (of many) five-star customer reviewer. “I can load it up with as many plates as I want, and it never warps.”
It does have pretty passive knurling, which may put powerlifting purists off, but that’s what makes it great for higher-rep workouts and CrossFit workouts. This is an all-around great barbell for both beginners and advanced lifters alike, plus you won’t have to pay extra for fast shipping.
The Sporzon! Standard Weightlifting barbell is a solid option for buyers who need a barbell with 1 inch and 2 inch options, as well as different lengths.
The difference between Standard and Olympic barbells lies in weight collar diameter. “Standard” size barbells and weights feature one-inch diameter holes, and collars are generally much less common than their Olympic counterparts, which have two-inch collars and plate holes. Rated up to 700 pounds, this Standard barbell from Sporzon! is strong enough for beginners up to pretty advanced lifters. They’re probably not ideal for Olympic weightlifting, since the sleeves don’t spin, but this could be a welcome addition to home gyms.
If you’re on a tight budget, then a standard bar may be just the thing for you. They’re generally cheaper, and there is almost always an abundance of pre-owned standard diameter plates for dirt cheap second-hand.
Different bar diameters and length options from five to seven feet are useful for those who are limited in their workout space, and the chrome finish will be satisfactory for most lifters throughout the life of the bar as long as you keep up with the maintenance.
It may not be ideal to prepare you for competition in strength sports, but weight is weight. (except 35-pound plates. Fight us.) Considering the lower cost of entry, this barbell is a good idea if you’re testing the waters of working out at home to see if it will stick. Just make sure you give it a clean every few weeks and purchase the correct diameter weight plates to match your bar.
With multiple different options for grip and length, the Sporzon! Standard Weightlifting Bar is affordable and ideal if you aren’t blessed with a huge workout space. Choose from a variety of lengths and standard or Olympic sleeve diameters to fit your weight plates.
Like dumbbells or kettlebells, barbells are a versatile piece of equipment for many types of athletes. Whether you’re adding to your collection or buying your first-ever barbell, there’s a number of barbell benefits worth knowing.
There’s no shortage of barbell exercises you can perform, from body-part-specific movements (like lunges) to total-body exercises (like a clean and jerk). Aside from the standard, squat, deadlift, and bench press, you can use barbells in conjunction with other equipment, like a landmine.
You can find a barbell for just about any budget. While some specialized bars can cost several hundred dollars, there are products for just $200. In order to get the same weight variety with other exercise equipment, like dumbbells, you need to spend thousands of dollars.
However, you do have to buy weight plates separately, which can rack up the price. Luckily, these are pretty easy to find second-hand.
Although weight plates can rack up the cost, they give your barbell more longevity. As you grow stronger and more experienced, you can add weights to keep your exercises challenging. With a barbell, there’s no need to buy totally new equipment — just add more plates.
Barbells are an anomaly among gym equipment since they have a (relatively) narrow range of prices, with the exception of specialty bars. You can pick up a high-quality barbell that will last you a lifetime for around $300, perhaps less. If you want a special, high-end bar for weightlifting or deadlifting specifically, you can spend upwards of $500 to $1,000. Most bars don’t go much higher than that in price.
The major differences come with the purpose of the barbell. You can snag a solid mid-tier multi-purpose bar, powerlifting bar, or weightlifting bar, all for about the same price. They may look the same, but the spin of the sleeves, knurling, whip, and knurl marks will vary quite a bit.
While it may come as a surprise that there can be such variance between a cylindrical lump of metal that has a standardized length, there are, in fact, a host of differences that you should be aware of as you look for a barbell.
There are multiple types of barbells on the market, and for the beginning lifter or home gym owner, it can be a little daunting when shopping around and seeing all of the options. In regards to major types of barbells, there are basically three that are relevant to recreational lifters and strength athletes, and these are regular (or cross-functional) barbells, weightlifting barbells, and power barbells.
These three barbells will each offer a variety of features to match specific needs. Below, we’ve quickly highlighted some of the main differences between the three most common types of barbells.
Outside of these three types of barbells, there are also specialty bars that are common in niche strength sports gyms and sports. We’ve listed a few of the major types of bars below, along with their ideal uses.
Women’s bars are made with weights of 15kg or 35 lbs and have a diameter of 25mm.
Best for deadlifts, as they offer a lot of whip, aggressive knurling, and a sometimes smaller diameter.
Best for squats, as they’re typically made with no whip and have center knurling for gripping the back.
Also sometimes called hex bars, these are traditionally shaped like a hexagon and a useful niche implement for variation and teaching hip hinging. Many modern versions feature an open design now for increased versatility.
The knurling on a barbell is the etched, sandpaper-like texture that covers each side of the barbell and sometimes the middle. Knurling on a barbell is important for three major reasons. First, it promotes grip and can help improve lifting by allowing the barbell to remain still in the hands. If you try lifting while holding the smooth portions of the bar versus the knurled parts, you’ll instantly understand how helpful it is.
Second, knurling is a useful tool for finding the proper positioning on the bar. Each side of the barbell’s knurling will have a ring, sometimes two, and these can be useful for accurately finding hand and body positioning when trying to be centered on a barbell.
Finally, knurling patterns can be specific to certain sports. For example, Olympic bars will have a smooth center knurling to avoid scratching the neck during cleans, whereas deadlift bars will have even more pronounced knurling to promote grip.
A barbell’s grip diameter can be an easily overlooked construction attribute that can be very important. The diameter of a barbell can be catered to one’s needs based on preference, gender, and strength sport. The most common grip diameter for men’s barbells tends to be around 28mm-29mm, and for women’s bars, it’s usually around 25mm.
If you are a casual lifter, you’ll want to choose the most common diameter and discover your preferences. However, if you plan on competing in a strength sport, you should investigate the diameters mandated by your sport’s governing body and only purchase bars that match that. The barbell you use in training shouldn’t differ much from those you’ll use in competitive settings.
It is important to note that some specialty barbells can vary from the grip diameters listed above — such as squat bars with a diameter around 32mm for extra stiffness — but we’d recommend sticking with what’s most commonly used unless you have a good reason not to.
Tensile strength, yield strength, and test on a barbell can all be great suggestions for a barbell’s long-term durability and can help highlight the likelihood of the barbell prematurely resisting breaking and fracturing. Most barbell manufacturers list all or some of these attributes, and we’d suggest straying from any company that isn’t willing to readily share their barbell’s details, as that could mean that their bar will be prone to quicker breakdown.
Out of the three attributes above, tensile strength is possibly the most important and widely used to highlight barbell strength/durability. This attribute entails how much your barbell can be loaded with before it breaks or fractures. Higher tensile strength generally means a better, higher-quality barbell.
Below, we’ve highlighted some general tensile strength guidelines.
150,000 PSI > — Decent for beginners, but it might be worth spending a bit extra to make your investment last.
150,000-180,000 PSI — Good and suitable for most athletes.
180,000+ PSI — High-quality, well-constructed barbell that should last a long amount of time.
This construction attribute entails how much weight can be loaded on a barbell before it becomes deformed. Have you ever lifted on a barbell that is shaped like a noodle? That is exactly what failed yield strength looks/feels like. A lot of companies don’t list their yield strength, but that’s not the biggest deal. This attribute can often be prevented by simply using good barbell practices (ex: not dropping a barbell on safeties with weight, etc.), and high tensile strength often correlates with high yield strength.
This construction attribute entails documenting how much weight a company has used to physically test the barbell. Some companies list the test of their barbells, and some don’t. If a company doesn’t list their barbell’s test, then look at tensile strength, as these two can be closely related.
The whip of a barbell is the final (but very important) construction aspect to factor into your buying decision. Whip entails how much the bar will flex and give without losing its original shape. For the recreational and beginner lifter, this isn’t a huge concern, but it can become more important as athletes get deeper into their lifting careers and start competing.
Some companies will list how much whip their bars have, and most likely, these bars will have a specific purpose, like weightlifting, deadlifting, squatting, and so forth. Below, we’ve included some general recommendations for different athletes considering a bar with whip.
Standard whip is fine and won’t impact your movement much.
A bar with more whip is useful for training, as this will closely resemble what’s used in competition.
Check out your federation’s rules. Deadlift-specific bars will have a lot of whip, which is great for pulling, but problematic in other movements. Power bars will be much stiffer and are used in federations like the USAPL.
Newly bought barbells will almost certainly come with some form of warranty. If you buy second-hand, this warranty will usually then be voided even if you are still within the warranty period, so this may factor into your decision of what to purchase.
Standard warranties typically cover manufacturers’ defects and design issues for a year to two years. However, this can vary. Finally, note that the warranty will also be voided if you are negligent. Leaving your bar out in the rain, for example, or on a squat rack loaded up with plates, is a surefire way to lose coverage.
Bars are almost always going to be made from steel. However, as we mentioned earlier, the quality of steel can vary, and this is what leads to different tensile strengths for different bars. Other important materials to look for are the bearings or bushings and the finish.
Bars with bushings are generally used for slower lifts, so for powerlifting, bushings are going to be the best all-around option. Bearings give a much better collar spin, which is why they are generally used for Olympic lifting.
Generally, for the finishes, stainless steel and cerakote are going to be the most expensive but also the most resistant to wear and tear. At the opposite end of the spectrum, bare steel, budget chrome and black oxide are going to be cheaper but also less resilient.
If, after reading through all this, you still need help deciding which bar works best for you, we have a handy guide that goes into greater detail.
To keep your barbell in tip-top condition, you’ll need to do three things semi-regularly:
How often you have to do these steps will depend on the metal used to make the bar, the climate you live in, and how often the bar is used. Cheaper bars made out of budget chrome or zinc will need checking regularly, every two to four weeks. Stainless steel and other more expensive options will need less frequent checks, usually only every month to three months. More humid climates will need more care to prevent rust than they would require in a dry environment. Finally, a bar that gets heavy usage will need more maintenance than a bar that you have personally in your garage and only use twice a week.
On the surface, this seems like an easy choice in favor of conventional bars. When you’re deciding between a trap bar and a conventional barbell, the choice really comes down to this: Are you training for a sport that uses the barbell? If the answer to this question is yes, then you should buy a conventional bar. If the answer is no, then the choice between a trap bar and a conventional bar becomes one of personal preference.
Some people prefer trap bar movements because of their simplicity. Others prefer barbell movements because of their tried and tested results. If you look closely at functionality, trap bars can deliver a lot of the same benefits as conventional bars. In an ideal world, we would tell everyone to use both, but we know that’s not realistic. Just know that if you aren’t competing in a barbell-based sport, you can’t make a wrong choice here.
Another really contentious debate is whether to get a barbell or a set of dumbbells. In many cases, the cost for these two items is similar, so which should you go for if you can only choose one?
If you’re training for powerlifting or weightlifting, then a barbell is an essential tool, as it’s the primary implement for the required movements. But if you’re more into functional fitness or like to work isometric training into your routine, then dumbbells may be a really good fit for you. While barbells are incredibly versatile, dumbbells might take the cake when it comes to ultimate versatility. That being said, if you’re not looking to buy a whole set of dumbbells, there are many high-quality adjustable dumbbells on the market to suit a variety of needs.
The barbell is an incredibly versatile tool that can help you get strong, flexible, and explosive. Prices can vary hugely, as can the quality and the features, so make sure you’re clear on what you need before you buy. You can end up spending a fair chunk of change on something that you won’t use otherwise.
Once you have your bar, take good care of it and make sure you take equally good, if not better care, of your body by lifting with good technique and making sure to follow an effective training plan. If you do these things, you may never need to buy another barbell, and you might end up achieving some great training gains, as well.
Barbells have a few different price ranges with entry-level and multipurpose bars generally coming in between $200 and $300. High-end and specialty bars can cost anywhere from $500 to over $1,000. Unless you’re specifically training for one strength sport, such as powerlifting or weightlifting, then you can usually use a solid multi-purpose bar to meet all your needs.
Similar to any other piece of lifting equipment, that depends on your goals and budget, but the barbell we like the most right now is the Living.Fit Chrome Barbell. It’s extremely durable, well-priced, and performs admirably in every discipline of lifting.
A quality barbell will come with some form of warranty and a full rundown of performance specs. Some companies leave out key details that provide insight into how long their bar will likely last, so always be mindful of things like tensile strength, whip, shaft material, and so forth.
Tensile strength for a barbell entails how much your barbell can be loaded with before it breaks or fractures, aka high tensile strength = better barbell.
Yes. Whip is an important component to consider for athletes and lifters that are training heavy and have specific strength sport focuses.
Jake holds a Master's in Sports Science and a Bachelor's in Exercise Science. Currently, Jake serves as the Fitness and Training Editor at BarBend.
BarBend is an independent website. The views expressed on this site may come from individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the view of BarBend or any other organization. BarBend is the Official Media Partner of USA Weightlifting.
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