Choosing the best barbells for bodybuilding can be overwhelming given the multitude of options available.
To simplify your decision-making process, we have evaluated key factors such as quality, durability, price/budget, strong grip, knurling and comfort.
By considering these factors, you can find the best barbells that meet your specific needs and supports your bodybuilding goals effectively.
We have extensively tested 67+ barbells and are sure these options are the best on the market. And as a gym enthusiast myself I had a very critical eye.
WHY YOU SHOULD TRUST US
When it comes to discovering the best barbells, trust becomes a critical factor. We understand the challenges that arise from the abundance of options available in the market.
That’s why we want you to know that we’re a reliable source to rely on for your barbell needs.
Our team is composed of fitness enthusiasts and experts who have dedicated extensive time and effort to thoroughly research, test, and analyze a wide range of barbells.
By doing so, we provide you with unbiased and trustworthy information.
Our goal is to ensure that the barbells we recommend meet the highest standards of quality, long lasting performance, and safety, allowing you to make an informed decision.
List of the 8 best barbells
The best barbell:American Barbell 20KG Training Bar -> Jump to review
Best deadlift barbell: XMark VOODOO Weight Bar ->Jump to review
Best squat barbell:Rogue Ohio Power Bar Zinc ->Jump to review
Best Olympic Barbell:Eleiko Olympic Weightlifting Bar->Jump to review
Second best Olympic Barbell: CAP Barbell Olympic Bar->Jump to review
Runner-up Barbell:Rep Fitness Gladiator Barbell ->Jump to review
Best Versatile Barbell:Texas Power Bar->Jump to review
Best barbell for women:Rogue Bella Bar 2.0 (specifically designed for female lifters)->Jump to review
The 8 best barbells[detailed analysis]
1.
American Barbell 20KG Training Bar
The best barbell for bodybuilding
- Priced at $316
- Versatile
- ground alloy steel
- 190,000 PSI strength
Pros
- High-Quality Construction
- Precise Knurling
- Smooth Sleeve Rotation
- Excellent Whip
- Accurate Weight Distribution
- Versatile and Compatible
- Long-lasting Performance
Cons
- Higher Price Point at $316
- Limited Knurling options
- Lack of Center Knurling
When it comes to bodybuilding, this comes at the top of the list of best barbells
The American Barbell 20KG Training Bar is a 7ft bar meticulously crafted using ground alloy steel to ensure exceptional durability and performance. Moreover, it comes with 190,000 PSI tensile strength.
Talking about knurling, the bar features a well-designed knurling pattern that offers a secure grip without being overly aggressive, allowing for comfortable and controlled lifts.
The bar sleeves are precision machined and each one is coated with hard chrome for protection against dropping and impact.
Moreover, it is equipped with high-quality bearings or bushings, and the bar offers smooth and consistent sleeve rotation, minimizing unnecessary stress on the wrists and elbows.
The bar’s optimal level of whip provides a responsive and dynamic feel during Olympic lifts, allowing for efficient power transfer and enhanced performance.
The American Barbell Training Bar has been carefully engineered to ensure precise weight distribution, enabling consistent and balanced lifting experiences.
The bar is designed to accommodate Olympic weight plates, making it suitable for a wide range of exercises, including powerlifting, Olympic weightlifting, and general strength training and it just blows my mind how well it is designed.
In addition, you obviously want a long-lasting barbell and the American barbell 20kg built with high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship, training Bar is engineered to withstand heavy use and maintain its performance over time.
You might wanna know how to keep expensive equipment like this clean
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2.
X Mark VOODOO Weight Bar
Pros
- Superior tensile strength of 185,000 PSI
- Dual Knurling patterns
- Whip and Flexibility
- 28mm grip shaft with black Manganese Phosphate Coating
- 1500 lb Weight capacity
- Olympic-Sized sleeves
- Low price point of $135
- Moderate Center knurling
- Has microgrooves ensuring stability to weight plates
Cons
- Knurling may be aggressive for some lifters
- Bar sleeves may not rotate as smoothly as higher-end bars
- Rusting issues faced by some users
3.
Rogue Ohio Power Bar
The best barbell for squats
- Priced at $305
- Available in black zinc and bright zinc shaft coating
- 205,000PSI strength
- Weighs 45 lb
Pros
- The Rogue Ohio Power Bar features exceptional build quality
- Tensile strength of 205,000 PSI, 29mm diameter shaft with aggressive knurling
- Center knurling ideal for squats
- Black Zinc Shaft coating
- Bright Zinc sleeve coating
- Aggressive knurling maintaining a strong grip(Heavy lifters might even not need a chalk!)
- Suited for powerlifting and bodybuilding, ideal for heavy compound movements
Cons
- The aggressive knurling on the Rogue Ohio Power Bar may be too aggressive for some individuals, especially during longer sessions. Personally for me ,I love it’s aggressive knurling.
- High Price of $305
This categorically beats and retains the #1 position in the list of best barbells. This was my go-to barbell for squats especially. I really liked the knurling and the fact that it’s suitable for powerlifting and bodybuilding
4.
Eleiko Olympic Weightlifting Bar
Pros
- High Quality as built with Proprietary steel with chrome coating
- Less sharp Knurling make it appropriate for high volume exercises
- 12 year warranty ensuring long term sustainability
- Approved by International Weightlifting Federation (IWF)
- 28 mm Bar diameter ensuring a wide and heavenly grip(telling from personal experience)
Cons
- Requires experience
- $1024 price point
While the Eleiko Olympic Weightlifting Bar performs exceptionally well, its high cost may be a limiting factor for some individuals or budget-conscious buyers. If it wasn’t for the high price, this surely would have been the best on the list.
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5.
CAP Barbell Olympic Bar
Pros
- Affordability(available at $119.95)
- Japanese cold rolled steel with 15-inch loadable sleeve length with a black phosphate finish. It has a premium feel to it
- It has medium-depth diamond knurling that feels very grippy even when lifting heavy.
- Handgrip diameter is 28. 5 mm ensuring a strong grip.
- Compatible with standard olympic plates too.
Cons
- No center knurling
- Low weight handling capacity below 500 lb
- Myself and some other users complained about metal splinters in their fingers from loading the weights.
- CAP Barbell Olympic Bar may show signs of wear and tear more quickly over time, particularly with heavy or frequent use.
The Japanese cold rolled steel and the diamond knurling was a different yet enjoyable experience. I had real fun during my chest, back and even bicep workout
6.
Rep Fitness Gladiator Barbell
Runner up
- Priced at $180 for 20kg and $175 for 15kg
- 205 KSI tensile strength
- 1500 lb weight capacity
Pros
- Quality Construction
- Medium depth knurling
- Great versatality
- 5 needle bearings per sleeve allowing for a smooth spin
- 28mm diameter for an easy grip.
- Good price point at $360 for 20 kg and $350 for 15 kg.
- 1500 lb Weight Capacity
Cons
- Some users may find the knurling on the Rep Fitness Gladiator Barbell to be less aggressive or not as grippy(I don’t feel that way)
- finish on the barbell may show signs of wear or chipping, particularly with heavy or frequent use.
This barbell was clearly the second best in this list of best barbells for me, I loved its robust construction and its medium depth knurling is a winner which provides a secure and comfortable grip during exercises, minimizing the risk of slippage. Moreover, I am also a big fan of the whip that this barbell offers.
7.
Texas Power Bar
Pros
- High Durability with 190k min tensile strength
- Knurling grip
- Weight capacity of 1500 pounds
- Moderate whip
- Great versatlity(powerlifting exercises, such as squats, bench presses, and deadlifts).
- Multiple options for coating and finish(bare steel, zinc, and chrome finishes).
Cons
- The weight distribution feels slightly uneven
- Not rust resistant
- High price of $295
8.
Rogue Bella Bar 2.0
Pros
- Women-Specific Design
- Constructed with high-quality materials, such as stainless steel
- Hybrid knurling ensuring a comfortable and strong grip
- Dual Knurling Marks
- Moderate amount of whip, providing a dynamic and responsive feel during Olympic lifts.
- snap-ring bronze bushings
- Trustworthy Brand
- sleek and stylish design with various colour options
Cons
- very light knurling intensity
- Rust
- priced at $235
I had my friend Jessica try this out and it’s safe to say she’s impressed. The bar has dual knurling marks, allowing users to choose between Olympic weightlifting and powerlifting grip positions.
Moreover, the snap ring bronze bushings ensure smooth sleeve rotation. This feature minimizes friction, enhances performance, and reduces the stress on wrists and shoulders.
However, she complained that the hybrid knurling felt too light and that she also observed a rusty film after 8 days of use.
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6 Factors to consider before buying the best barbells for you
Durability:
- A durable barbell is essential for withstanding heavy lifting and long-term use without bending or breaking.
- It ensures the barbell can handle intense workouts and provides long-lasting performance and reliability.
Quality:
- High-quality barbells are made from premium materials and undergo rigorous manufacturing processes.
- They offer superior craftsmanship, precision, and overall construction, ensuring a more efficient and effective workout experience.
Price:
- While price is a factor to consider, it should not be the sole determining factor.
- Investing in a slightly higher-priced barbell often means better quality and durability, saving money in the long run by avoiding frequent replacements.
Design:
- The design of a barbell affects its functionality and performance.
- Look for features like proper sleeve rotation, optimal knurling, and balanced weight distribution, which enhance the barbell’s usability and effectiveness.
Grip:
- A secure grip is crucial for safety and control during lifts.
- Barbells with knurling on the shaft provide a textured surface that improves grip and prevents slippage, allowing for better handling and reduced risk of accidents.
Comfort:
- Comfortable barbells promote better form and reduce the risk of strain or injury.
- Look for features like a comfortable grip diameter and smooth collars that allow for natural movements and reduce discomfort during exercises.
Why are these factors important?
Here are 6 reasons why considering these factors is important for getting the best barbells:
- Durability ensures the longevity and reliability of the barbell, providing a long-term investment for your bodybuilding journey.
- Quality directly affects the performance and effectiveness of your workouts, enabling you to maximize your gains.
- Price considerations balance your budget with the need for a high-quality and durable barbell.
- The design affects the overall usability and functionality of the barbell, ensuring it meets your specific training needs.
- A secure grip promotes safety, control, and confidence during lifts, reducing the risk of accidents or dropped weights.
- Comfort is essential for maintaining proper form and preventing discomfort or injuries, allowing you to focus on your workouts and progress effectively.
By considering these factors and their importance, you can make an informed decision when choosing the best barbells for strength training, ensuring it aligns with your goals, preferences, and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)
What barbells do most gyms use?
Most gyms and commercial fitness centres have Olympic barbells because they hold more weight and are more durable than regular barbells. In comparison to the Olympic barbells, standard barbells are shorter and lighter. In my opinion, Olympic barbells are the best barbells.
Are barbells 20 or 25 kg?
Talking about barbells used in Olympic weightlifting
A men’s Olympic bar is a metal bar that is 2.2 meters (7.2 ft) long and weighs 20 kilograms (44 lb).
Is there a 40kg barbell?
Stylish and durable, the 40kg Classic Rubber Solid End Barbell with a straight bar from Jordan Fitness is perfect for your fitness environment.
What is an Olympic barbell?
As they’re designed to hold heavier weights, Olympic bars are longer, wider, and have larger bar ends. Strength of the bar. Olympic bars are designed to withstand much higher weights than standard bars. Our Olympic bars are rated between 320kg (700lb) and 950 (2,000lb), whereas our standard bars are only rated to 150kg.
Is a 25kg barbell heavy?
Talking about an Olympic Weightlifting Bar
A powerlifting barbell weighs 25kg or 55lb. These bars are suitable for all workouts in your Freeletics app. Most Gyms also provide a shorter and less heavy version of this barbell, especially suitable for women who start training with lighter weights in the beginning.
What is the best barbell for beginners?
The best barbell for beginners is the American 20kg training bar mentioned at the top of the list.
Wrap it up
You have been unfit your whole life and now when you finally hit the gym you realize a good barbell is mandatory for your fitness goals.
Instead of spending your money on things that don’t matter spend it on your health and fitness. It’s never too late.
Get your chest, back, biceps, triceps, shoulders and legs pumped by getting yourself the best barbells.
WAKE UP AND GET GOING!
About me
Hi, I am Abdullah a guy whose passion for fitness led to his bachelor’s degree in exercise science, for me what started as a personal fascination soon transformed into a professional career. Over the last six years, I have had the privilege of guiding and supporting numerous individuals on their own fitness journeys. Whether they were beginners taking their first steps into the gym or seasoned athletes aiming to break their personal records, I have been there every step of the way, providing personalized training programs tailored to their unique needs and goals.
