12 Forms of Weightlifting Bars: Which Is Best For You?

When you would think that something so simple as a barbell could be relatively consistent, it is not true. Spend enough time within the gym, and you will find dozens of several types of weightlifting bars to pick from.

Some are universal in use, while some are awfully specific. Some everyone should own, and others might be just for serious lifters. There are so many differing types of barbells that it may be confusing, so we would like to assist make clear the more popular sorts of bars on the gym.

Here’s an in depth overview of the 12 sorts of weightlifting bars, so you possibly can determine which could also be best in your training goals.

Table of Contents:

• What Are Weightlifting Bars?
• 12 Forms of Weightlifting Bars
• Summary of Different Forms of Weightlifting Bars
• Selecting Different Types Of Barbells For Your Home Gym
• FAQs

What Are Weightlifting Bars?

A weight lifting bar is a bar, normally made out of a powerful metal, that’s used for lifting weights. The ends of the barbell will allow a lifter so as to add weight plates, giving them control of the load.

As mentioned, this relatively straightforward concept has spawned quite a few several types of barbells for various purposes. No matter a barbell’s specific use, its primary function is loading the muscles to advertise strength and muscle growth.

Before determining what variety of barbell to purchase, take a have a look at this list to get a greater overview of your different options.

12 Forms of Weightlifting Bars

We’re now going to go over 12 different weightlifting bars. To maintain some form of organization, we’ll first start with probably the most common sorts of straight bars. After, we’ll go into various specialized bars.

After we go into the specialty bars, we’ll attempt to organize them with probably the most common types first. Just take into accout this is just not absolute, and sorts of barbells will vary in numerous locations.

1) Standard Bar:

We’ve the usual bar because the primary barbell resulting from semantics and to avoid confusion. In point of fact, it is not that standard anymore. You likely won’t see these unless you go to an older or budget gym.

Standard barbells are around 6 ft tall and have a straight shaft of about 1″. The ends of the barbells are threaded with a stopper, allowing you to load plates after which secure them with a nut. Further, the collars are fixed.

As mentioned, these are hardly used anymore, but when this happens be the variety of barbell you gravitate toward, try the Philosophy Gym 1″ Standard Weightlifting Barbell, complete with star collars and all.

2) Olympic Bar:

The Olympic barbell has turn out to be the brand new “standard barbell.” When this barbell’s weight and size, they’re 7ft long and usually weigh 20kg (44 lbs) but additionally have women’s bars at 15kg (33 lbs). As well as, an Olympic barbell also has a 28mm diameter shaft and 2-inch rotating collars.

These rotating collars really set them other than the usual bar. After we lift, unless the bar moves perfectly vertically with no movement, the load plates experience inertia, meaning they are going to wish to rotate.

With fixed collars, this also means the bar will wish to rotate, putting excessive force on the wrists or causing you to drop it. Either way, the lift might be sub-optimal.

Spinning collars will eliminate this because the plates spin while the bar stays stationary. Rotation is crucial during Olympic lifts, resembling the clean and jerk, which is why this bar was initially developed (hence the name).

The knurling might be light because the bar must spin some through the Olympic lifts. Nonetheless, the middle and outsides might be smooth so the bar can land on the chest and shoulders without tearing the skin apart.

Together with the Olympic lifts, the Olympic bar is just about the very best all-around bar should you can only get one.

Since they’re so popular, there are tons of decisions in Olympic bars. For those who’re available in the market and do not feel like breaking the bank, I like to recommend the BoS Bar 2.0 because it’ll provide you with a high-quality rotating bar for an affordable price.

3) Powerlifting Bar:

Powerlifting bars are just like Olympic bars and are present in many gyms. They’ve the identical basic design, size, and weight, but the first difference is that they are significantly stiffer with a little bit whip. Some power bars may additionally be longer, as much as 7’4″.

These variations are explicitly built for powerlifting, which has three big lifts: back squat, bench press, and deadlift.

A stiffer bar generally makes the lift easier for the back squat and bench press.

One other key factor is the extensive and aggressive knurling. Other than two smaller sections toward the center, all the bar has knurling. 

Powerlifting bars need this aggressive knurling to assist grip for deadlifts, as no straps are allowed. Further, the knurling goes all along the bar to stick with the back during squats.

For those who’re not energetic in powerlifting or a serious lifter, you could find the knurling quite uncomfortable and will probably just stick to Olympic bars.

Nonetheless, should you’re serious about your big lifts, we highly recommend you try the Titan Series Power Bar.

4) Fixed Bar/EZ Curl Bar:

A hard and fast bar is frequently related to barbell curls. These are shorter in length and may have weights permanently attached to the ends. There are generally two types:

The primary is a straight bar. Because the name implies, these bars are straight with a knurl along the length.

The second type is an EZ-curl bar, a hard and fast bar with various angled cuts. This shape allows for a more angled grip, taking the pressure off the wrist so you possibly can safely lift more weight.

For those who’re available in the market for an EZ curl bars to grow those arms, I just like the BoS Industrial EZ Curl Bar for its price point and talent to load your personal weight, as much as 300 kilos.

Searching for more great recommendations? Try our article on the 9 Best Curl Bar Picks!

5) Trap Bar:

The trap bar is one of the crucial popular specialty bars and certainly one of the few you do not squat with. As a substitute, you choose it up together with your hands.

Also often called hex bars, trap bars are shaped like a big hexagon with two long collars coming out on the ends. Moreover, two handles run along the within for grip. This design allows an individual to step contained in the trap bar and grab onto the handles.

From here, they’ll perform trap bar deadlifts or frame carries. As well as, the lifter can alter his biomechanics to make the movement look more like a squat (quad dominant) or deadlift (hamstring dominant). While the form stays consistent when it come to hex bar weight, these bars can vary in weight from 45-65 lbs, so check together with your manufacturer.

We love the trap bar, and it’s present in most of our routines. I especially just like the Force USA Walkthrough Trap Bar resulting from its versatility and performance.

For more great options, head to our article on the 9 Best Trap Bars!

6) Safety Squat Bar:

Safety squat bars have risen in popularity quite dramatically over the past few years. What was once only seen in serious strength gyms can now be seen in lots of industrial gyms. And I really like ’em!

A security squat bar weighs between 45 and 65 lb, and it’s major feature is its shape. It starts straight in the center section like an ordinary weightlifting bar. Nonetheless, when the bar reaches the outer thirds on either side, the bar angles down at a 90-degree angle. After a foot or so, the bars then turn at one other 90 degrees to run parallel with the center section.

As well as, two large handles drop down in the middle of the bar. These handles are heavily padded, as is the centerpiece. Together these three padded sections make a U shape.

Once you use the security squat bar, your head goes into the middle of the U-shape formed with the centerpiece in your neck and the handles coming down over your traps. The load will sit directly in your traps, which is why the pads are there. 

You should utilize the handles to change the position of the weights to supply different biomechanics, but generally, the design of the bar lowers your center of gravity. It also helps you maintain an upright posture and relieve stress on the lower back. Safety bar squats are great for those with any variety of shoulder issue, as you possibly can hold the handles in front of your body.

While it’s generally used for back squats, you should use this bar for front squats, lunges, and Hatfield squats.

That is one more specialty bar that we use often and is certainly one of the primary bars we recommend. Thinking about one which does the job but won’t break the bank? For those on a budget, I just like the RitFit Safety Squat Bar, which even has removable shoulder pads for sweaty lifters who want to scrub them.

For more great safety squat bar options, try our article on the 6 Best Safety Squat Bars!

7) Swiss Bar:

Despite the fact that Swiss bars have turn out to be common inside true strength and conditioning facilities, it’s best to consider yourself lucky if you’ve got access to at least one.

The Swiss bar is a multi-grip bar weighing 25-35 lbs that enables a neutral grip and offset grips at different angles. Its design is like a protracted rectangle in the center section. On this section sit the multi grips. These then taper down into normally fixed collars (they do not spin).

Unlike many other bars, the Swiss bar is sort of exclusively for upper-body movements. It allows a neutral grip, which will be great for individuals with elbow pain or those that wish to put more stress on the triceps.

I really like using the Body-Solid Extreme Olympic Bar for bench presses, floor presses, and overhead presses from pins because it lets you select the grip that most closely fits your hand size and workout. Its long, loadable sleeve length of 16.5″, is ideal for constructing muscle, and the Olympic-grade construction ensures it may withstand even probably the most intense workouts.

8) Deadlift Bar:

When describing what a deadlift bar is, it’s just like your basic Olympic bars with a little bit more flex within the bar, also often called “whip.” Which means they’re typically 7 feet (84 inches), weighing 45 lb (20 kg), and with a 27mm to 29mm diameter.

With more whip, the bar will bend more when loaded heavy. When the lifter begins to tug a deadlift up, the load plates will stay on the bottom as the center part bend. The load will eventually catch after which come off the bottom.

When performed accurately, this version should allow more weight to be pulled off the bottom with latest PRs. When you pull with a deadlift bar, it’ll be hard to return. My favorite pick is the Titan Series Deadlift Bar, so if you ought to up your deadlift game, head over to grab it now.

And should you’re searching for more great options, try our article featuring the 6 Best Deadlift Bars.

9) Axle Bar:

The axle bar is the best barbell on this list. It’s almost exclusively seen in strength gyms with a population of Strongman athletes.

An axle can are available in a big selection of sizes, but its primary feature is a thick bar, normally about 2″ in diameter. Most axle bars weigh 45 lb or 20 kg, just like an Olympic bar.

The second defining feature is the fixed collars. On an axle bar, the collars have zero spins, making lifting weights exponentially harder.

Generally, when inertia builds up, the load plates will move freely while the bar stays in a single place. Nonetheless, with an axle bar, any inertia that puts force on the load plates will make all the bar wish to spin.

That said, you possibly can still do almost every movement you’d do with standard bars. Some, resembling the continental press, are specific to an axle bar, but sometimes we’ll swap bars inside the same program just to supply a special stimulus.

Certainly one of the nice things in regards to the axle bar is its simplicity of design. For this reason, you possibly can easily find them for lower than $100, like this Titan Axle Barbell.

10) Cambered Bar:

A cambered bar looks just like safety squat bars with a straight central part followed by a drop after which angled back out. Nonetheless, there aren’t any safety arms.

Further, the middle section may vary in length. On some models, the middle section is perhaps just one/4-1/3 of the full length. Nonetheless, on other models, the drop doesn’t occur to the very end, where one other section is added with just the collars continuing out.

Regardless, the aim is similar. As a substitute of being at shoulder level, the load will sit lower on the body. Not only does this improve mobility within the posterior chain, however it’s also much easier on the shoulders.

Further, many lifters find it easier to take care of good form. I just like the Titan Cambered Olympic Bench Press Bar, which encompasses a 4-inch drop that keeps the load plates lower for a stabilized center of gravity, increases your range of motion, and takes the pressure off your wrist, shoulders, and knees when squatting.

11) Buffalo Bar:

The buffalo bar has the same purpose to a cambered bar in that it lowers the extent where the load hangs. Nonetheless, as an alternative of dropping straight down, the buffalo bar consists of 1 large subtle curve.

Generally speaking, weight plates on a buffalo bar will sit so the middle is positioned across the scapula. Some find that the cambered bar is barely easier on the shoulders.

Aside from that, selecting between the buffalo bar and the cambered bar is very personal. For those who prefer a curved version, try the Titan Fitness Yukon Bar.

12) Log Bar:

A log bar is sort of exclusively seen with Strongman. Nonetheless, it appears to be more common to search out one in a industrial gym currently, perhaps resulting from the rise in popularity of Strongman.

A log bar is largely composed of a giant “log” for the centerpiece. This long cylinder comes in numerous sizes (based on diameter) and weight. There are a number of variations present in log bars, but we’ll list the three commonest sizes with the load of an empty bar.

• 8 inches: 50-60lb
• 10 inches: 70-80lb
• 12 inches: 120-140lbs

The first purpose of the log bar is to perform a log clean and press and replicates actually lifting an actual log. What makes it so difficult is the diameter of the middle part, which places the middle of gravity away out of your chest.

You should utilize it for nearly every other upper-body movement. The middle and neutral handles just add a little bit variation.

If you ought to really switch up your workout, Titan is the brand to go to. Try their 10″ Log Bar, which is highly popular amongst real Strongman athletes.

Summary of the 12 Different Forms of Barbells

Here’s a table summarizing the 12 different barbell types, together with a product advice for every.

Selecting Different Types Of Barbells For Your Home Gym

When selecting several types of barbells for your property gym, your selection might be influenced by your variety of lifting.

You will notice that some barbells provide a latest stimulus while some allow entirely latest movements. Due to this fact, in our opinion, should you’re attempting to get probably the most bang in your buck, as an alternative of getting three straight barbells that change in whip, get three unique barbells that allow latest movements.

That said, listed here are our top 3 barbells:

• Olympic Bar: Olympic barbells are probably the most universal and canopy all the things. This could generally be everyone’s first purchase.
• Safety Squat Bar (SSB): Once you are trying an SSB, you may understand. They make heavy-volume squats rather more comfortable. You too can perform front squats and Hatfield squats.
• Trap Bar: The trap bar will assist you to do carries and trap bar deadlifts with various set-ups

Bonus: If we could buy a 4th, it might be a Swiss bar. Again, this opens up completely latest movements and adds variety to your upper body movements.

Searching for more great options! Try our round-up of the 15 Best Barbells!

FAQs

Still have more questions? Listed here are a few of your more continuously asked.

What number of sorts of barbells are there?

We have featured 12 several types of barbells, but each distinct type has its own variation. And should you begin to get into different materials used, like bamboo for instance, you would possibly find that the sorts of barbells is closer to 14 to 18. Plus, increasingly brands are coming out with latest sorts of barbells of their very own, so the numbers are only growing.

What barbells do most gyms use?

Most newer gyms will use an Olympic barbell, but older or cheaper gyms might use an ordinary barbell.

What variety of bar is best for squatting?

A powerlifting bar was designed with the squat, bench, and deadlift in mind, so it’s probably the very best for strict squatting. Nonetheless, Olympic and standard bars will do the trick as well. For those who’re searching for a special stimulus, try safety squat bars, cambered bars, and Buffalo bars.

What is the difference in a deadlift bar vs bench bar?

The deadlift bar is usually barely longer with a bit more whip to permit lifters to tug slack out of it.

What is the difference in a squat bar vs bench bar?

For a straight barbell, there’s not much of a difference. But there are variations for every, resembling a security squat bar and a Swiss bar for benching.

What’s the very best bar for clean and jerk?

An Olympic bar is hands-down the very best bar for clean and jerk.

Types Of Weightlifting Bars: Final Takeaways

As you possibly can see, the very best barbell for you is dependent upon your experience, training goals, and workout. While many variations exist, you possibly can still get a terrific, versatile workout together with your basic Olympic bar.

Those that wish to take their training to the following level, and even those that want a little bit variety can profit from other variations.

Regardless, be certain you become familiar with each bar’s differences before you throw on a ton of weight, and have a good time training. You could be surprised with the outcomes you see if you train with a bar best suited to your goals.

Now that you just understand the different sorts of weightlifting bars and that are best in your goals, try the