When it comes to strength training, the barbell is the most important gym equipment that can make a significant difference in your fitness journey. Barbells come in various shapes, sizes, and designs, each tailored to specific exercises and fitness goals. Understanding the different types of barbells and their unique features can help you choose the right one to support your workout routine and maximize your results.
Standard Barbells
The most common type of barbell found in gyms and home workout setups is the standard barbell.
These barbells typically measure between 1.5 to 2 meters in length and weigh between 15 to 25 kilograms, depending on their size. Standard barbells are designed for standard weight plates, which have a hole diameter of approximately 28-30 millimeters.
One of the key benefits of using a standard barbell is its affordability. These barbells are an excellent choice for beginner and intermediate lifters who are building their foundational strength. They provide a cost-effective option for a wide range of exercises, such as squats, bench presses, and bent-over rows.
Olympic Barbells
Olympic barbells are a type of weight lifting equipment made specifically for use in Olympic-style weight lifting competitions. These competitions include events like the snatch and the clean and jerk, which involve lifting the barbell overhead.
These barbells are slightly longer than standard barbells, Approximately measuring 2.2 meters in length, with a weight of 20 kilograms for men’s bars and 15 kilograms for women’s bars.
The diameter of Olympic bars varies, with men’s bars usually 28 millimeters and women’s bars 25 millimeters. Olympic barbells accommodate Olympic weight plates, which typically have a hole diameter of 50 millimeters.
The main difference between Olympic barbells and standard ones is the rotating sleeves, which allow the plates to spin smoothly during rapid and powerful lifts. This rotation decreases the stress on the wrists and elbows, reducing the risk of injury. Olympic barbells are best for advanced lifters who focus primarily on Olympic weightlifting techniques.
Powerlifting Barbells
Powerlifting barbells are specifically designed for the three main powerlifting exercises: squat, bench press, and deadlift.
These bars are typically 2 meters long and weigh around 20 to 25 kilograms. Powerlifting barbells have a thicker diameter of 29 millimeters, which enhances grip strength during heavy lifts.
One of the distinctive features of powerlifting barbells is the aggressive knurling, which provides superior grip and traction during lifts.
Additionally, these bars have a stiffer construction and higher tensile strength, enabling them to withstand heavier loads without bending. Investing in a powerlifting barbell is an excellent choice if your primary focus is on powerlifting.
Women’s Barbells
The women’s barbell is designed for female weightlifters and powerlifters. It is shorter and lighter than the men’s barbell, which makes it easier for women to use.
The women’s barbell is typically 2 meters long and weighs around 15 to 20 kilograms. It has a thinner diameter of 28 millimeters, which allows for a more comfortable and secure grip during lifts.
Compared to the men’s barbell, the women’s version has a slightly less aggressive knurling (the textured pattern on the bar). This provides enough grip without being too rough on the hands.
The women’s barbell is also made to be strong and stiff, so it can handle the heavy weights used in powerlifting and Olympic weightlifting events.
Overall, the women’s barbell is a specialized piece of equipment that is better suited for the needs and capabilities of female strength athletes.
Hex/Trap Bar
The hex/trap bar is a type of weightlifting bar that has a unique hexagonal shape. Instead of the traditional straight bar, the hex/trap bar forms a hexagon or trapezoid shape with handles on each side. This design allows the user to stand inside the bar while lifting, rather than having the bar in front of them.
The hex/trap bar is often used for deadlifts and shrugs, as the body positioning inside the bar places the lifter in a more upright stance compared to a regular straight barbell. This can make the lift more comfortable and may help reduce stress on the lower back.
Additionally, the hex/trap bar design positions the weight closer to the user’s center of gravity, which can make the lift feel more balanced and controlled. This bar is a popular choice for those looking to build strength in the posterior chain muscles, such as the hamstrings and glutes.
Overall, the hex/trap bar provides an alternative to the traditional straight barbell, offering a different biomechanical setup that some lifters find more suitable for certain exercises like the deadlift.
Swiss Bar
The Swiss Bar, also known as the Football Bar or Multi-Grip Bar, is a type of specialty barbell that features multiple angled grip positions along the bar. Instead of a straight, cylindrical bar, the Swiss Bar has several parallel handles that are angled inward or outward.
This unique design allows the user to grip the bar in various hand positions during exercises like the bench press, shoulder press, and row. The different grip options target the muscles in the chest, shoulders, and arms in slightly different ways compared to a standard straight bar.
The angled handles of the Swiss Bar are intended to better align the wrists and elbows during pressing and pulling movements. This can help reduce stress on the joints and provide a more comfortable feel for some lifters. Additionally, the alternating grip positions can help with muscle imbalances and work the muscles from slightly different angles.
Overall, the Swiss Bar is a versatile tool that gives users more grip variety and customization options for certain upper body exercises. It’s a popular choice for athletes and weightlifters looking to target specific muscle groups or work around joint limitations.
2….. Cambered Bar
The Cambered Bar is a unique type of barbell that is curved or bent in the middle. This curved shape makes it different from a standard straight barbell. The Cambered Bar is often used for exercises like squats, good mornings, and other lower body exercises.
One of the main benefits of the Cambered Bar is that it is more shoulder-friendly compared to a straight barbell. The curved shape allows the bar to sit lower on the lifter’s back, which can be easier on the shoulders, especially for those with mobility issues or injuries.
Another advantage of the Cambered Bar is that it provides a different training stimulus compared to a straight bar. The curved shape makes the bar more unstable and forces the lifter to stay tight and in control throughout the movement. This can help improve overall core and trunk stability.
Overall, the Cambered Bar is a specialty barbell that can be a great addition to any strength training program, especially for powerlifters, bodybuilders, and athletes looking to improve their lower body strength and stability.
Safety Squat Bar
The Safety Squat Bar is a specialized type of barbell used for squats and other exercises. It features a few key design elements that distinguish it from a standard barbell.
Firstly, the bar has a cambered or curved shape, which allows the weight to sit lower and closer to the user’s center of gravity. This cambered design helps take pressure off the back during the squat movement.
Additionally, the Safety Squat Bar is equipped with handles on the sides, which enables the user to grip the bar and stabilize it, thereby distributing some of the load away from the shoulders. Finally, the bar has extra padding where it rests on the upper back, making it more comfortable to support heavy weights.
These unique features make the Safety Squat Bar a popular choice for individuals with mobility limitations or those seeking to reduce strain on the upper body while building lower body strength.
Many powerlifters and athletes incorporate the Safety Squat Bar into their training regimen to target the leg muscles without as much strain on the shoulders and back.
Tsunami Bar
The Tsunami Bar is a unique type of barbell that is designed to be more flexible and whippy compared to a standard rigid barbell. This flexibility allows the bar to oscillate and move during exercises, which can help increase the activation of stabilizer muscles and improve power production.
Unlike a typical barbell used for powerlifting, the Tsunami Bar is made from a special composite material that gives it this flexible, whippy quality. It is longer and has a larger diameter than a standard barbell, measuring 90 inches long and 3 inches in diameter.
The Tsunami Bar comes in different models, each with varying weight capacities. The lightest model weighs 13 lbs, while the heaviest “Max” model can handle up to 270 lbs on each side [3]. This allows the bar to be used for a wide range of exercises and training goals, from building speed and power to working on stability and control.
The flexible nature of the Tsunami Bar also helps reduce direct stress on the spine compared to a rigid barbell, making it suitable for plyometric and explosive movements. It comes with specialized collars called “Croc Locks” that help secure the weight plates in place during use.
Overall, the Tsunami Bar is designed to be a versatile training tool that can help athletes and lifters develop greater power, speed, and stability through its unique flexible and whippy characteristics.
Axle Bar
The Axle Bar is a type of barbell that is thicker and heavier than a standard Olympic barbell. It typically has a diameter of around 2 inches (50mm), compared to the 1.1 inch (28mm) diameter of a regular barbell. This increased thickness makes the Axle Bar more challenging to grip and lift.
The Axle Bar is commonly used in strongman competitions and training, as it helps to build grip strength, forearm strength, and overall body stability. Unlike a regular barbell, the Axle Bar does not have rotating sleeves, so the weights do not spin freely. This forces the lifter to control the bar’s rotation during exercises like deadlifts and cleans.
The Axle Bar can be used for a variety of exercises, such as deadlifts, rows, overhead presses, and farmer’s walks. It provides a unique training stimulus compared to a regular barbell and is a valuable tool for strength athletes looking to improve their overall strength and power.
Earthquake Bar
The Earthquake Bar is a lightweight barbell, weighing only 6 pounds, but it can handle over 300 pounds of weight. It’s made of bamboo and has special grooves cut into the wood to grip the bands or chains that you can attach to it.
When you lift the Earthquake Bar, it creates a lot of oscillation and vibration, which forces your stabilizer muscles (the smaller muscles around your joints) to work harder to control the movement. This helps strengthen and stabilize your shoulders, elbows, and other joints, reducing the risk of injury.
The Earthquake Bar is particularly useful for exercises like the bench press, overhead press, and yoke carries. It’s a great tool for athletes, powerlifters, and anyone looking to improve their shoulder and joint health. While it may not be an essential piece of equipment for every home gym, it can be a valuable addition for those who want to focus on stability and injury prevention.
3……… Buffalo Bow Barbell
The Buffalo Bow Barbell is a specialized type of barbell that is curved or “bowed” in the middle. This curved shape helps make squatting more comfortable for some people, especially those with shoulder or mobility issues. The bow in the bar allows you to hold it in a more upright position, which can reduce strain on your shoulders, arms, and back compared to using a straight barbell.
The Buffalo Bow Barbell is often used for squats, but it can also be used for other exercises like bench press and overhead press. It has a medium-aggressive knurling pattern on the bar to provide a good grip. The bar is made with high-quality materials like black chrome and bronze bushings, and it has a weight capacity of around 800 pounds.
While the Buffalo Bow Barbell is not as versatile as a standard straight barbell, it can be a great option for powerlifters or strength athletes who want a more comfortable bar for squatting. The curved design helps take some of the stress off your body during heavy lifts.
The Kabuki Transformer Barbell is a unique and versatile piece of fitness equipment. It’s designed to be like 3 different barbells in one. You can adjust the bar to change how it feels and functions, allowing you to do a variety of exercises like squats, deadlifts, and more.
The key feature of this barbell is its adjustable settings. You can change the height and angle of the bar to make it feel like a regular straight barbell, a safety squat bar, or even a front squat bar. This allows you to customize the bar to your specific needs and fitness level.
For example, if you have shoulder mobility issues, you can adjust the bar to make squatting more comfortable. Or if you’re a beginner, you can start with an easier setting to help you learn proper form before increasing the difficulty.
The Kabuki Transformer Barbell is made with high-quality materials and construction, so it’s built to last. It can handle heavy weights, up to over 1,000 lbs, making it suitable for both casual gym-goers and serious powerlifters.
Overall, the Kabuki Transformer Barbell is a versatile and adaptable piece of equipment that can help you improve your strength and technique across a wide range of exercises. Its adjustable design makes it a great choice for people of all fitness levels.
What to Consider Before Buying a Barbell
Before purchasing a barbell, several factors should be taken into consideration to ensure you get the right one for your needs.
Barbell Type:
Consider the type of workouts you plan to do. Different barbells are designed for specific purposes, such as powerlifting, Olympic lifting, or general strength training. Choose a barbell that aligns with your fitness goals and the type of exercises you enjoy.
Weight Capacity:
Check the weight capacity of the barbell. Ensure it can handle the total weight you intend to lift. If you plan on lifting heavy, you’ll need a barbell with a higher weight capacity to prevent bending or breaking during use.
Barbell Length and Diameter:
Barbell lengths can vary, and so can the diameter of the bar. Longer bars are suitable for certain exercises, like deadlifts, while shorter bars may be more versatile for smaller spaces.
The diameter of the bar also affects grip comfort, so choose a diameter that feels right for your hands.
Knurling and Grip:
The knurling refers to the textured pattern on the barbell that provides grip. Consider the type of knurling and the grip it offers. Some people prefer more aggressive knurling for a secure hold, while others may find it uncomfortable. Test the grip to see what feels best for you.
Material and Coating:
Barbells are typically made of steel, but the quality of the steel can vary. consider the coating on the bar, as it affects the barbell’s resistance to corrosion. Common coatings include chrome, zinc, or black oxide.
Sleeve Rotation:
The sleeves are the ends of the barbell where you add weight plates. Check the sleeve rotation – how smoothly the weight plates spin. A good sleeve rotation is essential for certain exercises, especially Olympic lifts.
Budget:
Determine your budget for a barbell. While there are various options available, investing in a high-quality barbell can be a worthwhile long-term investment.
Specialty Bars:
Depending on your preferences and workout routine, you might want to explore specialty bars like the Swiss bar, trap bar, or safety squat bar. These bars offer unique grips and functionalities, catering to specific exercises and reducing strain on certain body parts.
Warranty:
When buying a barbell, it’s important to look for a good warranty. A quality warranty can give you peace of mind and protect your investment if there are any manufacturing problems with the barbell.
By carefully considering these factors, you can make a good decision when choosing a barbell that suits your fitness goals, preferences, and budget.
Where to Buy the Best Barbell
It’s important to research and read reviews to find reputable vendors that provide quality barbells.
When buying a barbell, there are many fitness stores and online platforms to choose from, which can be overwhelming. To find a quality barbell, it’s important to do some research and and read reviews to find reputable vendors that provide quality barbells.
Some well-known brands for high-quality barbells include Rogue Fitness, Eleiko, and Titan Fitness. These companies provide detailed product information and customer reviews to help you make an informed decision.
Don’t worry we have reviewed every type of barbell for you so that you can choose the best barbell to achieve your fitness goals.
4……. Tips for Barbell Maintenance
Once you’ve invested in the best barbell for your needs, maintaining it is crucial for its longevity and performance.
Here’s a simple tips for barbell maintenance:
- Clean the Knurling: Use a stiff nylon brush to clean the knurling on the barbell. This removes any chalk or dirt buildup that can cause the barbell to rust over time.
- Wipe Down the Barbell: Apply a small amount of 3-in-1 oil to a rag and wipe down the entire barbell. This helps remove any rust and protects the finish.
- Lubricate the Sleeves: If your barbell has bushings or bearings, apply a few drops of oil to the inside of the sleeves where they meet the shaft. This helps the sleeves spin smoothly.
- Store the Barbell Flat: When not in use, store the barbell flat rather than standing it up vertically. This prevents chalk and debris from getting into the sleeve assembly.
The key is to clean the barbell regularly, lubricate the moving parts, and avoid exercises that can damage the bar. By following these simple steps, you can keep your barbell in great shape for years to come.
Final Words: Types of Barbells
Knowing the types of barbells might seem overwhelming at first, but understanding their diversity opens up multiple possibilities for your fitness journey.
Each type serves a purpose, and the right combination can enhance your workouts significantly. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced lifter, experimenting with different barbells can bring new dimensions to your strength training routine.
So, go ahead, grab that barbell, and lift your fitness goals to new heights!
FAQs: Types of Barbells
Even with all this information, you might still have questions. Let’s address some common queries:
What Is the Best Multipurpose Barbell?
Standard bars and Olympic barbells are generally the best multipurpose options. They suit various lifts, making them great for a home gym. Your choice depends on your specific strength training goals.
What Is the Best Barbell for Advanced Lifters?
Advanced lifters can benefit from various barbell types. Testing out different ones at a specialty strength training gym is the best way to find what suits you for each exercise.
Should You Use Multiple Barbells?
Many lifters use multiple bars, offering the advantage of a continuous series of lifts for a powerful workout. If you enjoy group workouts, having several barbells allows you to exercise with friends without waiting.
What’s the Main Difference Between a Straight and Curved Barbell?
The primary difference is in the shape. A curved barbell has a curve in the main shaft, while a straight bar is, well, straight. The choice between them often depends on the specific benefits each shape provides during lifting.
Do Different Barbells Use Different Weight Plates?
Most barbells can use universal weight plates, but some, like the Olympic bar, may have specialized plate sizes. It’s essential to check the compatibility of weight plates with your specific barbell.
Which Types of Barbells Are Most Common?
The standard or traditional barbell is the most common. However, gyms often also have powerlifting, women, and curling bars available.
Is It Possible for a Barbell to Break?
While it’s possible for a barbell to break, it’s not likely with proper use. Following the manufacturer’s instructions and not overloading the barbell ensures it stays in good condition. However, wear and tear over time are normal, and you might need to replace your barbells gradually.
