The Complete Barbell Buyer's Guide

Q: How much does a deadlift barbell weigh?

A deadlift bar that is used by men and women in training and regulated competitions will almost always be a 20kg (44.1lb) Olympic barbell.

Everything you need to know about barbells

Whatever your fitness goals are, if you are setting up a home gym, a barbell is a great investment. Whether you are looking to start your fitness journey with the goal of toning up, or you’re a seasoned powerlifter looking to train from home and build serious levels of strength; a barbell can form the foundation of your home gym and exercise routine.

First used back in the 1860s, a barbell forms the bedrock of many workout programmes for everyone from professional athletes developing explosive power, to busy parents following YouTube workout routines when they get a spare 15 minutes. Squats, deadlifts, barbell rows, clean & jerks - are all fundamental exercises when it comes to developing muscle mass and strength; with the barbell version of these exercises touted by many as the original and the best.

In this guide you will learn everything you need to know about barbells, so that you are able to make an informed purchase. From knurling to weight capacities, you’ll be a barbell expert in no time.

What is a Barbell?

One of the oldest and still one of the best pieces of strength training equipment that you’ll find in the gym, barbells are a staple of resistance training. Designed to be used with both hands, the metal bars are normally 5ft to 7.2ft in length, and feature sleeves or attachment points at either end for adding weights; or have fixed weights built into them. Barbells are typically around 1 inch (25mm) in diameter near the centre, and Olympic bars feature ‘knurling’ which is designed to improve grip.

Barbells are available in a range of types and designs with a range of benefits and drawbacks depending on your fitness and training goals. From fixed weight studio barbells, Olympic barbells that are used for weightlifting & powerlifting competitions, to EZ curl bars, there is an array of sizes, shapes and designs available.

Whilst dumbbells and kettlebells are excellent for developing coordination, barbells excel when it comes to compound movements that develop strength and power, from squats & deadlifts, to cleans & jerks; if you are looking to build muscle or dynamic power for sports, the barbell should be at the core of your training. Extremely versatile, barbells are also used to build fitness and endurance, and can be used with resistance bands to develop ascending power and strength that replicates the ‘force generation curve’ of a range of sports-specific movements.

Barbell Anatomy

Understanding the Parts of a Barbell

Obtaining a comprehensive knowledge of the key components of an Olympic barbell can help you to make an informed choice when you come to buy one. It can also be useful to know what each part of the barbell is for when it comes to maintaining, cleaning and actually using one. Whether you are looking to buy a barbell for a home gym, a commercial CrossFit gym, or a powerlifting competition, it’s a good idea to know your barbell anatomy.

Shaft
The central part of the barbell. The shaft encompassses the knurling and the knurl marks, and ends where the shoulders/collars begin. With the exception of the snatch which requires a very wide grip in most instances, weightlifters will almost always place their hands on, or in between the knurl marks. The knurl marks exist to allow users to gauge when their grip is symmetrical in terms of width to the left and right of the bar, and as a reference point that makes it easier to grip the barbell at a specified and consistent width.

The knurling (described in detail below) exists to enhance grip. Different types of knurling allow for different levels of grip; with some styles of knurling best suited to Olympic lifts, and others preferred for powerlifting exercises including deadlifts and squats.

Shoulders/Collars
The thickest point of the bar, towards each lateral-end, the shoulders (sometimes called “collars”) are a defining part of Olympic bars. The shoulders prevent the weight plates from sliding inwards and onto the shaft of the bar. The shoulders should not be confused with the sleeves - the ends of the bars to each side, and the locking collars which are added to the end of the bar to stop weight plates from falling off the ends.

The shoulders are important for stability and safety. They are also an Olympic and UK regulated powerlifting and weightlifting standard feature of barbells.

Bushings & Bearings
The bushings and bearings are hidden within the barbell shoulders. They enable sleeve rotation and prevent any lateral movement of the sleeve. This can be important for those performing Olympic weightlifting techniques and movements like clear & jerk, and snatches.

Serving as a low-friction interface, the bushings and bearings enable smooth rotation without damaging the barbell.

Sleeves
The outermost parts of the barbell, the sleeves are the ends of the barbells, where the weight plates are loaded. They have a 2 inch (5.1cm) diameter on Olympic barbells; which is an essential and defining feature, allowing them to hold Olympic weight plates.

The function of the sleeves is to allow for secure and stable loading of Olympic weight plates. Most barbell sleeves will also be able to rotate independently of the barbell shaft. This is an important function of the barbells, as it allows for the lifts used in Olympic weightlifting competitions.

How to Choose a Barbell

Training goals

When it comes to choosing a barbell for your home gym, you’ll want to consider what size, weight and design fits your fitness goals the best. If you are looking to build fitness and muscular endurance, then a small fixed weight barbell might be the best option. However, if you are looking to develop strength for sport, or for powerlifting competitions, then an Olympic barbell would be the best choice.

If you are buying a barbell for a commercial gym, then you will want one which is highly durable and meets a range of needs. Unless you have the budget to buy a specific deadlift, squat and/or bench press barbell(s), then a barbell which provides the best all around ‘performance’, rather than a specialised deadlift bar for example, would be a good choice. Ideally however, you will want at least two barbells if you have a bench press area and a squat rack.

If you are going to have squats and bench press as a fundamental element of your training programme, then you will also need to consider investing in a bench and either a squat rack, or a power cage. Gym flooring is also a necessity for any commercial gym and a great addition to a serious home gym.

Space Available

Olympic barbells are pretty long compared to other gym equipment - usually 7.2ft (2.2m) from end to end. With this in mind, you will want to ensure you have enough space to use it before you buy one! Ideally you will need a separate uncluttered room or an outbuilding to workout in, especially if you have pets and/or children that could get in the way and get hurt whilst you are exercising.

If you don’t have space for an Olympic barbell, and you are looking to build strength and power, then a dumbbell set and a set of resistance bands is a good alternative. A chin up bar coupled with a weighted vest are also great tools for building strength and size in your back and bicep muscles, whilst dumbbells can be used to train every muscle group. See our dumbbell guide and resistance band guide for further information.

If you are used to using, or prefer using a barbell but don't have the space for an Olympic bar, there are smaller alternatives available. More information on this in the next section...

Length & Weight of Barbell

Once you’ve established your training goals and the amount of space you have to dedicate to a gym, you can choose the length and weight of the barbell you want.

If you have a small amount of space, and/or your training goals are fitness rather than strength and bodybuilding related, you may want to opt for a Studio Pump style barbell set. Our Studio barbells weigh up to 20kg (44.1lb) with the weight plates provided and are approximately 4.5ft (1.37m) in length.

For reference, our 15kg (33.1lb) Olympic barbells are 6.6ft (2m) long (these are used by women in Olympic competitions), whilst our range of 20kg (44.1lb) Olympic barbells are all 7.2ft (2.20m) long. If you're a man looking to build strength and/or muscle mass with key compound exercises including squats, deadlifts and bench press, then you will probably want to buy a 20kg (44.1lb) Olympic bar. If you are a woman with similar goals, then a 15kg (33.1lb) or 20kg (44.1lb) Olympic bar is a good choice, depending on your baseline strength level.

Barbell Knurling and Grip

Knurling relates to the area of barbells which users grip. It can have different textures and patterns. Knurling makes a subtle but sometimes important difference to the ‘feel’ and grip of a metal barbell. Knurling is an important consideration for serious weightlifters, especially those looking to compete in CrossFit and powerlifting competitions.

1.2mm Hill Style Knurling
This type of grip has a rounded subtle texture. The “hill style” relates to the raised nature of the pattern that provides grip without any rough or sharp texture. This type of knurling is found on all purpose barbells that can be used for squats, deadlifts, bench press and Olympic lifts like snatches.

1.2mm Volcano Style Knurling
As the name suggests - volcano style knurling features tiny ‘hills’ with craters at the top of them. This style of knurling provides a more secure grip, but can prove slightly uncomfortable for users who are not used to it. It’s designed to enhance grip, without damaging the user’s hands.

This type of knurling is great for Olympic lifting exercises and pressing exercises including bench and shoulder presses.

1.5mm Volcano Style Knurling
Ideal for serious athletes, weightlifters and strongmen/women, the 1.5mm depth provides a more secure and aggressive grip with increased levels of friction between the bar and the palms of the user’s hands. Great for heavy lifting, serious strength training and competitive powerlifting.

The 1.5mm knurling is especially suited to users who are looking to develop their deadlift strength, without the user of weightlifting straps.

Weight Capacity

Another important consideration is the overall weight capacity of a barbell. Studio barbells for example, will usually have a maximum load capacity (including the barbell) of around 40kg (88.2lbs).

Whilst 40kg (88.2lbs) is sufficiently heavy for many people; for the average high-level athlete or bodybuilder, they’ll require a heavier overall weight in order to progress and reach their maximum potential weight for exercises including deadlifts and squats.

In terms of the weight capacity, the vast majority of recreational lifters will find that a basic Olympic bar, with a load capacity of around 250kg (551.2lbs) should be strong enough. Our Zelus Olympic Bar, is 7.2ft (2.2m), competitively priced and has a maximum load capacity of 250kg (551.2lbs).

For anyone looking to lift more than 250kg (551.2lbs), we have the 20kg (44.1lbs) Hercules Olympic Bar with a load capacity of 680kg (1499.1lb), and 20kg (44.1lb) Kratos Power Bar, designed for elite powerlifters, with a total load capacity of 910kg (2006.2lb).

Choosing an Olympic Barbell
	Budget	Mid-Range	Elite
Best For	Casual Lifters	Serious Home Gyms	Competitive Athletes
Features	Basic coatings & knurling, 250kg (551.2lbs) capacity	Dual knurl marks, 500kg+ (1102.3lbs+) capacity	IPF certification, 800kg+ (1763.7lbs+) capacity

Barbell Collars

For safety reasons, it's wise to purchase locking collars for your barbell. Collars are placed on the ends of the barbells, sliding and locking into place next to the weight plates to prevent them from moving around and falling off the end.

Locking (clamp) Collars

Secure and reliable, these easy to use barbell collars are extremely durable and the choice of professionals. If a user is lifting an extremely heavy weight, a barbell locking collar is probably the best option. These are often used in competitive CrossFit and weightlifting events.

Quick Release Spring Collars

Made of coiled metal, spring collars are squeezed by their handles in order to slide them on and off. Lightweight and quick to use; they are sufficient and reliable enough for the majority of home and commercial gyms.

Different Types of Olympic Barbells

What are the benefits of Olympic Hex/Trap Barbells?

The main benefit of using a hex bar, compared to a traditional straight barbell, is that a hex bar allows users to execute deadlifts, with less stress placed on the lower back/lumbar spine. This is ideal for anyone looking to build whole-body compound strength with a fundamental exercise like the deadlift, without putting excessive strain on the lower back. The hex bar also shifts a greater percentage of the load to the users leg muscles, in particular the front of the thighs - the quadriceps muscles.

Beginners usually find that the technique and mechanics involved with a hex bar deadlift is much easier to execute, and much less likely to cause injury, than the straight barbell equivalent. This allows users to use a taxing or even maximal weight, without undue risk of lower back injury.

Hex bars are a great choice for commercial as well as home gyms, as they can be used safely by a wide range of users, from beginners to advanced lifters. They also provide a variety of gripping options and they can be used for a range of exercises which straight barbells cannot - for example, farmer’s walks.

Studies also show that even elite weightlifters can deadlift a heavier weight with a hex bar compared to a barbell. This would tend to suggest that a hex bar deadlift can tax and therefore develop the upper body and the quadriceps to a higher extent than a straight barbell deadlift. This in turn leads to greater strength and muscle mass gains in these areas of the body.

Those looking to build maximal strength in their "posterior chain" (hamstrings, glutes/butt and back muscles) and those competing in powerlifting competitions, will usually want to deadlift with a straight barbell, whilst anyone deadlifting for athletic performance and power, should consider using a hex bar instead.

As mentioned above, hex bars are touted as having a reduced risk of injury compared to deadlifting with a straight bar, especially for beginners - an important consideration if you are training for a sport (other than powerlifting) or for recreational/aesthetic reasons.

Hex bars are also a good option for personal trainers, as clients who are new to weightlifting and might struggle initially with proper barbell deadlifting form, can benefit from the compound strength and muscle mass gains of a deadlift, without having to spend weeks learning the strict technique involved with deadlifting a straight barbell.

Muscle Activation Hex Bar vs Straight Barbell
Muscle Group	Hex Bar Deadlift	Straight Bar Deadlift
Quadriceps	✔✔✔	✔
Hamstrings	✔✔	✔✔✔✔
Glutes	✔✔✔	✔✔✔✔
Lower Back	✔✔	✔✔✔✔
Traps	✔✔✔✔	✔✔✔
Forearms & Grip	✔✔✔	✔✔✔✔

What are the benefits of multi-grip barbells?

The swiss bar, also sometimes called the “football bar” or “multi grip bar”, is an excellent barbell for anyone looking to add variety to their workouts with different grip arrangements.

Ideal for doing any push and pull exercise, including bench press and barbell rows, a swiss bar is a great alternative to a straight barbell for anyone with a shoulder or wrist overuse injury, who is looking to keep training without exacerbating an existing issue.

The swiss bar allows you to hold it in a “neutral position” with the palms facing each other; whilst a straight barbell allows you to hold the bar with your palms facing away from you. This puts the shoulder in a more stable and retracted position, which is less likely to cause or worsen shoulder injuries. In fact, the swiss bar is used by many physiotherapists to rehab shoulder injuries.

The FORZA Olympic Swiss Bar weighs 25kg (55.1lb) and has neutral, wide and angled grip options that allow for 3 different types of grip and has a total load capacity of 315kg (694.5lb).

Barbell Types & Shapes
Straight Barbell	Hex Bar	Multi-Grip Bar
Ideal for traditional back & front squats, deadlifts, bench press, and Olympic lifts.	Ideal for deadlifts, without excessive stress put on the lower back. Allows neutral grip.	Great for bench press without putting excessive stress on the shoulder and elbow joints.

Cleaning a Barbell

Another, often overlooked element of barbell storage, cleaning a barbell is a simple way to prevent rust and grime accumulating on the knurling and causing damage.

Always check the manufacturer’s instructions or contact the manufacturer before cleaning a barbell or any other gym equipment.

Equipment that can be used to clean a steel barbell includes:

A short & firm nylon brush
“3 in 1” multi purpose oil
WD40 or similar oil
Old rag, t-shirt or a towel

Place a few drops of the multi-purpose oil on the knurling of the barbell, near the middle.

Rub and scrub the oil across all of the knurling, trying to get it inside and on all the grooves and crevices.

Wipe away the excess all with the old rag, towel or t-shirt.

That’s usually all you will need to do, as long as you wipe down the barbell with a dry rag or towel at the end of each workout.

To clean a steel barbell that already has some rust on it, some people use a drill with a wire-wheel attachment - with safety goggles and safety gloves.

We don’t recommend this however as it is likely to invalidate the manufacturer’s warranty, and could be unsafe.

Floor Protection: Crash pads vs. rubber mats to reduce noise/bar damage

Whilst some people choose not to buy mats, flooring or pads for their home gym, if you are planning on doing an exercise programme that entails deadlifts and/or Olympic lifts, then some kind of padding or protection on the floor is a good idea. Gym flooring will help to reduce the noise of dropping weights and protect the weight plates from damage.

Drop/Crash pads are heavy-duty foam cushions that absorb the impact of a barbell being lowered or dropped onto the floor. They reduce noise significantly (especially if you are using metal weight plates) and prevent damage to the equipment.

Rubber gym flooring is another great option for home and commercial gyms. A versatile flooring solution which can also insulate heat and add to the aesthetic of a home gym, rubber matting reduces the impact of dropping a weighted barbell, but not as effectively as drop pads do. They are cost effective however and allow users to perfect deadlifts and Olympic lifts like snatches, over a full range of motion / from the floor.

If budget allows, using rubber gym flooring with drop pads will provide the ultimate level of noise reduction and should completely prevent any damage to a floor, barbell and weight plates.

Safety and Injury Prevention

When using barbells and other resistance training equipment - we always recommend gaining professional advice before starting and supervision whilst working out/training.

Always warm up to increase the temperature of your body, as this makes muscles and tendons more flexible and less likely to tear or strain. Always perform warm up sets as well, with lighter weights than your “working sets”. For example, if your personal best for bench press is 10 reps with a total of 80kg (176.4lbs), then a good warm up would involve 10 minutes of low intensity steady state cardio, some bodyweight exercises and 3 warm up sets - with the barbell only, and two more sets with 50kg, then 60kg.

Research suggests that warm up sets before weightlifting mitigate the risk of injury, and improve performance in terms of strength and power - so they are definitely worth doing.

Always use proper technique and gain feedback whenever possible on your form to prevent injuries (filming yourself can provide immediate feedback). Ensure that you use safety/spotter arms within a squat or power rack for exercises including squats and barbell bench press, and use smooth and controlled movements - unless you are training for explosive power.

To further reduce the risk of injury, it can help to research some of the common injuries and technical faults when doing a particular lift. For deadlifts for example, rounding of the back, not warming up properly and lifting too heavy are all common causes of injury.

Barbell FAQs

What’s the best barbell for deadlifts?

There is no specific barbell that is best for everyone when it comes to deadlifting. However if you are a competitive powerlifter, then you may wish to look for a barbell that meets International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) specifications, with 1.5mm knurling for extra grip and a high load capacity.

The 20kg (44.1lb) Kratos Olympic Barbell is a great choice for serious powerlifters.

If you are deadlifting to develop strength and/or power for a sport, then consider using a hex barbell. Performing hex barbell deadlifts with correct technique, is easier to learn than traditional straight bar deadlifts, and puts less strain on the lower back.

How much does a deadlift barbell weigh?

A deadlift bar that is used by men and women in gyms, training and regulated competitions will almost always be a 20kg (44.1lb) Olympic barbell.

What’s the best barbell for squats?

For novice and intermediate lifters, any Olympic barbell, or even a Studio Pump barbell will provide enough stability and strength to perform weighted squats.

For traditional back squats, a stiff bar with minimal whip/bend and aggressive centre knurling is a good option.

Manufactured from high-quality alloy steel, with 1.2mm volcano style knurling, the 20kg (44.1lb) Hercules Olympic bar is a great choice for those looking to squat over 100kg (220.5lb).

What’s the difference between an Olympic Barbell and other barbells?

Olympic barbells are generally categorised as barbells that have a sleeve diameter of 2 inches (5cm), and a length of approximately 7ft/2.1m (men’s Olympic barbell) or 6ft/1.83m (women’s Olympic barbell). Olympic barbells should also weigh the same - 20kg (44.1lb) for men’s Olympic barbells and 15kg (33.1lb) for women’s.

As the name suggests, Olympic barbells are used in Olympic weightlifting competitions. Other barbells, are any barbell, of any size or length that can be used with weight plates. From Studio Pump barbells, to EZ barbells for arm exercises, other barbells can come in a wide array of shapes and sizes, and are not usually standardised like regulation Olympic barbells are.

You can however buy "Olympic size" hex/trap bars and EZ bars. These have a 2 inch (5cm) sleeve diameter and can be loaded with the same weight plates that are used by Olympic barbells.

How much weight can an Olympic barbell hold?

The amount of weight a specific barbell can hold, all depends on the specifications of the bar. For example, you might expect a standard Olympic bar to hold around 250kg (551.2lb) in weight, whilst a powerlifting bar like the Kratos Power Bar can hold a total load of over 900kg (1984.2lb). Considering the world record for the deadlift at the time of writing is 501kg (1104.5lb), the load capacity of the Kratos Power Bar should be sufficient for the majority of powerlifters!

How much does a bench press barbell weigh?

Most commercial gyms will use a men's Olympic barbell for the bench press, which weighs 20kg (44.1lb). This is included in the total weight lifted. For example, if you have 30kg (66.1lb) weight plates loaded on each side of the barbell, that would be a total of 80kg (176.4lb).

What are barbells made of?

The vast majority of barbells are made from steel. Providing a load capacity of over 900kg (1984lbs), our Kratos Power Bar for example, is made from forged alloy steel with increased chromium and molybdenum.

How much does a Smith Machine barbell weigh?

The weight of a smith machine barbell varies depending on the make and model of the smith machine. Unlike Olympic barbells, there is no universal or regulation weights for smith machine bars. The majority of smith machine barbells weigh between 7 and 11kg (15 - 25lbs), but some weigh over 15kg (33lbs).

How much does a curl bar weigh?

The weight of a curling barbell depends on the model and manufacturer. Our EZ Olympic Curl bar weighs 9kg (19.8lb), whilst a smaller spin lock curl barbell could weigh between 4.5kg to 8kg (9.9lb to 17.6lb).

How much does a hex bar weigh?

Again, the weight of a given hex or trap bar, depends on the model and manufacturer. Our hex bar weighs 27kg (59.5lb), but there are less robust hex barbells that weigh as little as 12kg (26.5lb).

Are barbells better than gym machines?

Whether or not a barbell is better than a machine is still debated. There is some research however, showing that free weights in general are superior to gym machines for building strength, and can even lead to greater levels of free testosterone - which in turn, may lead to greater gains in strength and quicker recovery. Barbells also require a greater level of stabilisation, which recruits muscles in a way that can be more transferable to sports and 'real life' activities. For this reason, athletes will usually opt to use free weights and not machines. The movement-path of many gym resistance machines is also 'unnatural' and can lead to skewed movement patterns and injuries. For example, a smith machine bench press will follow a straight movement path, which does not represent the movement of a free weight bench press or similar movement in sport or everyday activities.

Conclusion

Choosing the Best Barbell for You

Choosing a barbell seems like an easy decision to make, but with so many different lengths, weights, shapes and grips available, it can prove quite a perplexing challenge.

From studio barbells to regulation powerlifting barbells, each barbell has its own distinct features, benefits and potential drawbacks.

Below we've listed our most popular Olympic barbells, and summarised the unique benefits of each. This should make it easier to see which design best suits your individual needs.