A barbell is probably the most important piece of equipment you can get for a home or garage gym.
As long as you have a squat rack, some weight plates, and a great barbell, you’re going to have an excellent place to train!
A wide range of factors come into play for choosing a barbell.
From their knurling, tensile strength, purpose, price, and especially the quality of the bar, finding the best Olympic barbell that fits your needs can be challenging.
I’ll make it a lot easier in this ultimate guide on the best barbell for any lifter!
Check out my barbell buying guide if you want to learn more about what to look for in a solid bar!
Let’s get started!
Table Of Contents
- 1 What Are The Best Barbells?
- 2 Best Barbell Overall
- 3 Best Powerlifting Bars
- 4 Best Barbell For Weightlifting
- 5 Best Multi Purpose Barbells
- 6 Best Barbell for CrossFit
- 7 Best Barbell For Beginners
- 8 Best Deadlift Bars
- 9 Best Barbell for Women
- 10 Best Barbell On Amazon
- 11 Best Safety Squat Bar
- 12 Best Hex Bars
- 13 Best Curl Bars
- 14 Frequently Asked Questions
- 15 Conclusion
What Are The Best Barbells?
- Best Barbell Overall – Rogue Ohio Bar
- Best Barbell For Powerlifting – Texas Power Bar
- Best Barbell For Weightlifting – Rogue IWF Olympic Weightlifting Bar
- Best Multi-Purpose Bar – Rogue Chan Bar
- Best Barbell for CrossFit – The Rogue Bar 2.0
- Best Barbell For Beginners – Force USA Pro Series Barbell
- Best Deadlift Bar – Texas Deadlift Bar
- Best Barbell For Women – Bomba Bar V3 Women’s Barbell
- Best Barbell On Amazon – Synergee Games Cerakote Barbell
- Best Safety Squat Bar – Kabuki Transformer Bar
- Best Hex Bar – Kabuki Strength Trap Bar HD
- Best Curl Bar – Rogue Curl Bar
Best Barbell Overall
This section covers the best Olympic barbell overall for your home gym.
I chose these because of the value they bring to the table, the features they offer, and the fact that they’re completely reliable due to their durability.
Also, just a heads up, there are a ton of Rogue Olympic barbells on this list. They really are as good as everybody says and absolutely worth it!
If you want to learn more about their company, here is my Rogue Fitness Review so you can check them out more in-depth.
Let’s get started!
Best – Rogue Ohio Bar
Made in the USA, The Ohio Bar is a top-of-the-line, multipurpose barbell. It's constructed of the highest quality materials with a 200,000 PSI shaft and chrome sleeves for a consistent spin. The Ohio Bar has a firm, non-abrasive grip and is perfect for both Powerlifting and Olympic lifts. With its unique balance of whip and rigidity, this bar is ideal for any serious lifter.
The
Since I bring it up so often, you can tell it deserves all the praise it gets.
One of my favorite things about the Rogue Fitness Ohio bar other than its solid 200,000 tensile strength, is all the colors you can get for the cerakote version in particular.
You can get different combinations for your shaft and sleeves to make something truly unique to your home gym!
As you can see, there are many different options to choose from.
If there’s anything that’s worth it from Rogue Fitness, it’s absolutely a
Plus, they have these bars available in all the best finishes you can possibly get. From the Cerakote options shown above, black zinc, stainless steel, and even black oxide.
You can get a
Rogue Fitness is the gold standard for strength equipment. They’re by far the best Olympic barbell manufacturer by far; that being said, I highly recommend any type of
If you haven’t looked at my Rogue Buying Guide, you definitely should as I go over all of Rogue’s best equipment.
Runner Up – REP Excalibur Bar
Introducing the Rep Excalibur Bar - a top-of-the-line, multi-purpose barbell that boasts hybrid bearing and bushing sleeves, along with medium/deep knurling. Whether you're into powerlifting, Olympic weightlifting, or cross-training/HIIT workouts, this barbell is versatile enough to meet your needs. With bushings that adds stability for powerlifting movements and bearings that allows for plenty of spin during Olympic-style lifts, the Excalibur bar has got you covered.
While the
They designed this barbell with hybrid bearing bushings, making it perfect for the home gym community!
It can do the power lifts and Olympic lifts alike with no issue.
It’s rated for 1500 pounds and has a 190,000 tensile strength.
Plus, you have a choice between a hard chrome coating or stainless steel options, and even a choice of a center knurl or without.
It also has a medium/deep depth knurling, giving you a ton of grip for heavier lifts without shredding your hands like sharkskin.
I go over this bar in my Rep Buying Guide if you need to learn more!
Budget – Rogue Boneyard Bars
Boneyard bars are the same great quality Rogue bars that have minor issues cosmetically. Things such as knurl inconsistencies, finish blemishes, or any flaw in general. This qualifies it for a solid discount in the Boneyard and provides more value for you.
Next up, we have Rogues Boneyard Bars. I’ve covered boneyard barbells before, and I think they’re an incredible buy.
The best thing about boneyard bars is that they have the same functionality as their more expensive bars but with minor defects.
Rogue Fitness considers anything with blemishes and issues with the knurling to not be Rogue-quality, which I can’t blame them!
When people buy from Rogue Fitness, they expect premium equipment at a premium price.
So it makes sense they have the boneyard bars available to the public at a lower price than Rogue’s other bars.
I think that for the price and quality that Rogue Fitness brings to the table, this is the best home gym barbell you can get at a budget price.
Check out more about them in my Rogue Fitness Buying Guide!
Best Powerlifting Bars
Powerlifting is all about lifting the most weight possible on the squat, bench press, and deadlift.
While there are specialty bars available for each, you should invest in a Power Bar designed to deal with super heavy weights to get the best bang for your buck.
Here are my picks for the best powerlifting bars!
Best – Texas Power Bar
The "Original" Texas Power Bar is Texas' premier powerlifting bar. It is the culmination of years of experience in the design and manufacturing of power bars. This bar is made from the highest quality materials with a focus on durability and performance. The shafts have a few options from black zinc, bare steel, and chrome, while the sleeves are available in chrome and bare steel. This gives you a variety of looks to choose from, all with the same great performance. The sleeves are also 86" long with a 28.5 mm diameter, making this barbell perfect for squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and more.
Some of the strongest lifters in history have used Texas Power Bars.
The shaft has a couple of options; bare steel, black zinc, and chrome.
The sleeves are also available in chrome and bare steel plating, depending on your preference.
This barbell is a little shorter than the
The Texas Power Bar is perfect for lifting heavy weights and not fussing with different Squat, Deadlift, and Bench bars.
If you need the best powerlifting barbell overall, the Texas Power Bar will never let you down.
Runner Up – Rogue Ohio Power Bar
The Rogue Ohio Power Bar is designed to handle the toughest workouts with its impressive 200,000 PSI tensile strength. This barbell is built to last with a lifetime warranty and is made in the USA with high-quality materials. The 29mm diameter and bushing sleeves provide a smooth spin, making it perfect for powerlifting movements. The bar is available in various finishes, including stainless shaft/sleeves, stainless shaft/chrome sleeves, black e-coat/bright zinc, bare steel shaft/sleeves, and bright zinc shaft/sleeves.
This
No matter what finish they give it, it’s still going to be one of the best barbells on the market.
The
- Stainless Steel Shaft & Sleeves
- Stainless Steel Shaft & Chrome Sleeves
- Black E-Coat Shaft & Zinc Sleeves
- Bare Steel Shaft & Sleeves
- Zinc Shaft & Sleeves
This is one of the top power bars Rogue Fitness makes and should be your go-to pick if you decide to invest in a powerlifting barbell.
Its 200,000 tensile strength will ensure you’re safe under super heavy weights.
Of course, this also means it comes with a lifetime warranty which is an important indicator of the bar’s quality.
The
It features a single powerlifting knurl mark and a center knurl.
Plus, the knurling is a super aggressive volcano knurl, which is the best you can get for maximum grip.
The
Check out more in my Rogue Fitness Buying Guide to see all of the top barbells and other equipment they offer.
Budget – Bells Of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0
The Bells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar is an affordable powerlifting bar that meets IPF specs, has cheese-grater knurling for better grip, serious stiffness with a 210,000 PSI tensile strength, and a 1,500lb weight capacity. The ribbed chrome sleeves anchor the plates in place, reducing the chance of injury. It's the best value powerlifting bar available, and a must-have addition to any powerlifter's gym.
I learned about Bells Of Steel a few months ago, and from what I can tell, they have a ton of exceptional Olympic barbells and equipment.
This is a pure power bar with a center knurl and an aggressive knurl. It can also handle 1500 pounds with its 210,000 tensile strength, making it perfect for all skill levels.
The shaft is constructed with bare steel while the sleeves have a hard chrome coating.
If you plan on doing Olympic lifts, I would recommend another barbell on this list, though, as this barbell is super rigid with little to no whip at all.
Still, if you just need to Squat, Bench, and Deadlift, this is the barbell for you!
Best Barbell For Weightlifting
Olympic Weightlifting is a sport that many people recognize from the Olympics.
Weightlifters compete in the Snatch and the Clean & Jerk, requiring a ton of power and control to train efficiently.
There are three main differences between an Olympic weightlifting barbell and a regular bar.
- First, the bar’s shaft has a much smaller diameter, allowing the barbell to whip much more than a stiffer bar. When you do an explosive movement like a Snatch, the whip will enable you to get under the barbell and catch it.
- Second, Olympic Weightlifting bars typically have needle bearings in the sleeves, which allow them to spin more than a power bar. This spin is vital as it reduces torque on the elbow, forearm, and wrists. A smooth spinning barbell is 100% necessary to Olympic lift safely while minimizing injury.
- Finally, the knurling tends to be a little softer, so it won’t tear your hands up from rotating and catching the barbell repeatedly.
Here are the best Olympic Weightlifting bars!
Best – Rogue IWF Olympic Weightlifting Bar
Rogue’s 28MM Olympic Weightlifting Bar has been approved for use in all IWF-sanctioned competitions. Machined and assembled in Columbus, OH, each bar includes a 215K PSI steel shaft, quality needle bearings, and friction-welded chrome sleeves. With a center knurl and exclusive precision-machined knurl pattern, this bar offers a firm but non-abrasive grip.
If you want the best barbell for Olympic Weightlifters with no expenses spared, the Rogue IWF Approved
I’m sure I just mentioned that it’s IWF approved, right?
The shaft has a 215,000 PSI with friction-welded sleeves, a non-abrasive knurl, and high-quality needle bearings.
It also has a 28mm shaft to allow for plenty of whip.
It does have a center knurl though so keep that in mind when catching your cleans!
This is the best weightlifting bar by far, so check it out now if you want to learn more.
Runner Up – REP Stainless Steel Gladiator WL Bearing Bar
The Rep Fitness Gladiator Barbell is the perfect bar for Olympic weightlifting-style training and high-intensity workouts. It features needle-bearing sleeves, IWF knurl markings, and ribbed sleeves, with a smooth spin and turnover during lifts. Available in 15kg and 20kg variants, with rust-resistant hard chrome or full stainless-steel coatings, the barbell has a 28mm diameter, medium-depth knurling, and is rated for 1,500 lbs.
This Weightlifting Barbell from Rep is one of the best barbells I’ve ever seen as it’s constructed entirely of stainless steel which offers the best feel and performance possible.
Plus, with five needle bearings per sleeve, it has a smooth and consistent spin for optimal Olympic Lifts and hook grips, as the saying goes.
The 230,000 tensile strength, 210,000 yield strength, and 1,500 lb loading capacity ensure the barbell will handle any Olympic lifts you throw at it!
It even has a hard chrome coating which is a solid rust-resistant coating.
There are multiple different versions you can get with a center knurl and without.
While it does have medium knurling, some have said it’s a little more aggressive when they first try it out, but they get used to it pretty quickly.
This is the best Olympic Weightlifting Barbell from Rep Fitness, so check it out if you want to learn more.
Budget – Get RX’d Stealth Bar
The Get Rx'd Stealth Bar is a 20KG Olympic Barbell designed to meet the highest competition standards. It features impeccable spin, a hard chrome coating, and a consistent, well-crafted knurl that extends to the collar. With a 216K PSI tensile strength and a lifetime warranty, it's the perfect tool for Olympic lifters and power-lifters alike.
The Stealth Bar from Get RX’d is a solid weightlifting barbell with a smooth and consistent spin.
The 216,000 PSI tensile strength allows for a high capacity far beyond what any single person can possibly lift.
It features a 28mm shaft diameter, which, as I mentioned before, makes it great for faster Olympic lifts and hook grips.
It’s also available in men’s and women’s options like most weightlifting barbells are.
This is one of the best-reviewed Olympic barbells from Get RX’d, and it even has a lifetime warranty.
Check out more from Get RX’d in my buying guide!
Best Multi Purpose Barbells
Multipurpose bars, or general-purpose bars as they’re sometimes called, are what I recommend for most lifters.
Here are a couple of reasons you should invest in this type of barbell.
- Price – Multipurpose bars tend to be priced well compared to pricier Olympic Weightlifting bars with similar features.
- Knurling – The knurling is usually more medium depth than a more aggressive power bar, making them better suited for beginner and experienced lifters alike.
- Dual Knurl Marks – These make it easy to set up for Olympic and Power lifts alike.
- Variety Of Lifts You Can Do – It’s not a great idea to Bench Press with a weightlifting barbell or Clean & Jerk using a power bar. That’s why multipurpose bars that allow you to train all the lifts are so awesome.
- Best Bang For Your Buck – Combining all of the above points, a multipurpose barbell is going to be the best bang for your buck overall. They allow you to do any lift you want without investing in a bunch of different Olympic barbells that have other purposes.
Here are the best barbells on the market for any type of lifting you need to do!
Best – Rogue Chan Bar
The Rogue Chan Bar is one of the most versatile weightlifting bars on the market. Named for CrossFit legend Matt Chan, this bar was created with input from some of the best competitive lifters in the world. The Rogue Chan Bar is made from stainless steel and has a 200,000 psi tensile strength. It also features an ultra-durable cerakote color finish in black or chrome. The Rogue Chan Bar is manufactured in Columbus, Ohio, and comes with black composite bearings and dual powerlifting/Olympic knurling.
The
So to say this custom-made barbell is a fantastic all-around barbell is an understatement.
It has a cerakote finish, which is very popular in the gun industry because of its durability.
This newer model has a stainless steel shaft rated at 200,000 PSI tensile strength, making it a beast of a barbell perfect for any type of lifting.
If you want one of the best multipurpose barbells and potentially the best one overall, the
Runner Up – Fringe Sport Wonder Bar
The Fringe Sport Wonder Bar is a durable barbell that's perfect for experienced users and Olympic lifters. It comes in 20kg and 15kg variations for men and women and is made of black zinc-plated alloy steel. The 28mm shaft diameter is great for executing Olympic movements, and the bar has a weight capacity of 1600lb. On top of that, you can choose between bushing and bearing rotation systems for your own personal needs.
The Fringe Sport
The lifetime warranty definitely proves just how durable this bar is as well.
You can even choose between needle bearings and bushings.
As most of you know, bearings are better for Olympic lifts as the sleeves rotate smoother, while bushings are more suited for heavier powerlifting movements.
Like most Olympic barbells on this list, it can handle over 1,500+ pounds with its 205,000 PSI tensile strength and 160,000 yield strength.
Check out my Fringe Sport Buying Guide to learn more!
Budget – Titan Fitness Atlas Olympic Barbell
The
The Atlas Bar also supports a loading capacity of up to 1500 pounds with a 220,000 psi tensile strength.
The sleeves feature ten needle bearings, which provide a consistent quieter spin while performing the Olympic Lifts.
Say what you want about Titan Fitness; this hybrid bar is a solid option that gets the job done.
Best Barbell for CrossFit
CrossFit is one of the most popular strength/endurance sports in the world.
It’s all about functional training performed with high intensity.
That’s why the best CrossFit bars will have a ton of similarities to Multipurpose bars so that you can do WODs with a variety of movements.
The main difference between a CrossFit bar and standard Olympic bars is that CrossFit bars need to have increased durability.
These bars can handle being dropped and cycled through for high-repetition and heavier strength work.
Here are the best barbells for CrossFit!
Best – The Rogue Bar 2.0
The Rogue Bar 2.0 is the upgraded version of their original 28.5MM Olympic bar, now made with 190k PSI steel and durable composite bushings. It features customizable color bands on CNC-machined grooved sleeves and dual knurl marks for Olympic and powerlifting. The self-lubricating composite bushings reduce friction during high-rep training, making them reliable and long-lasting. Get the Rogue Bar 2.0 to take your training to the next level.
The Rogue Bar 2.0 is a next-generation 28.5 mm shaft diameter Olympic barbell fully machined and constructed right in Columbus, Ohio, at the Rogue factory.
It features 190,000 tensile strength steel, grooved sleeves with customizable band colors, as well as composite bushings that are definitely durable.
This is Version 2.0 of the original Rogue Bar, but it also has marks for Olympic and powerlifting movements.
Plus, this Olympic barbell has been used during the CrossFit games ever since this barbell came into fruition.
If the top CrossFit athletes in the world use this in competition, you know it’s going to be good enough for anybody.
Check out
Runner Up – American Barbell California Bar
The American Barbell California Bar is the perfect barbell for functional fitness athletes who demand both high-quality specifications and durability for daily use. Its dual-ring design incorporates the nuances of a top-quality weightlifting bar, while its Cerakote finish provides unparalleled resistance to corrosion and abrasion. The bar shaft is made of precision ground alloy steel, guaranteeing consistent strength and excellent whip. Additionally, the hard chrome-coated sleeves rotate smoothly thanks to high-strength composite bushings. American Barbell has produced an exceptional product that combines functionality with performance.
This is the first dual-ring multi purpose barbell American Barbell has built.
It’s made specifically for functional fitness athletes, so this might be the premium barbell for you!
Considering it has a solid 190,000 tensile strength rating, it will handle pretty much any type of lifting you plan on doing.
The California Barbell also has a Cerakote finish, one of the best coats you can get on a bar.
It’s available in various colors while also sporting men’s and women’s bars.
The men’s bars come in Zombie Green, Elite Blackout, Concrete Grey, and Navy Blue.
The women’s barbells are available in; Sky Blue, Pink, Elite Blackout, Yellow, and Purple.
Just like Rogue’s Cerakote Ohio Bar, that’s a solid number of colors to choose from.
Multi purpose bars are king for garage/home gyms, so I think the
Budget – Get RX’d WOD Bar 5.0
The Get RX'd WOD Bar 5.0 is the ultimate barbell for Olympic lifting and powerlifting enthusiasts. Built to last with a hard chrome coating and a 190K PSI tensile strength, this durable barbell features a 28mm shaft with consistent knurling and dual knurl marks for any type of lifting. The two oversized needle bearings and two oversized oil-impregnated bushings ensure smooth and fast rotations. The lifetime construction warranty along with the 1-year bending warranty will ensure your investment will last.
I went over the
As the name suggests, it’s a solid multi purpose barbell built for Olympic lifts, Powerlifting, or WODs!
These types of barbells are perfect for your home gym, as you can buy a single barbell for any lifting you do.
The 190,000 tensile strength rating will handle any type of lifting you do.
You can get this in women’s 15 kg or men’s 20 kg options. Depending on your preference, they also have black zinc and hard chrome coatings.
If you need a multipurpose budget bar, this is a wonderful choice!
Best Barbell For Beginners
For beginner lifters, the best Olympic barbell will allow you to do many different lifts.
This is important for a beginner as most of you watching this probably don’t know what type of lifting you want to do just starting out.
Imagine buying a power bar and finding out later you want to do more Olympic Weightlifting or vice versa.
So instead, getting a barbell that can do it all is an excellent idea.
Another thing that you should consider is how sharp the knurling is. Beginners don’t have a lot of calluses built up, which will hurt with more aggressive knurling.
Here are the best barbells for beginners!
Best – Force USA Pro Series Barbell
Introducing the Force USA Pro Series Barbell, the ultimate strength training tool for home or commercial gyms. With a 190k PSI tensile strength steel and dual knurl marks, this barbell is perfect for Olympic weightlifting, powerlifting, and multi-purpose exercises. It features bronze bushings that provide a smooth spin for reduced injury during lifts, while its bright zinc sleeves allow for smooth weight changes. The 28.5mm diameter shaft makes it suitable for both slow and dynamic exercises, making it a must-have for any fitness enthusiast.
Introducing the Force USA Pro Series Barbell, the ultimate strength training bar for home or commercial gyms.
This barbell boasts 190k PSI tensile strength steel, dual knurl markings for easy lifting hand positioning, and bronze bushings for durability.
The Pro Series Barbell is designed with standard knurling that provides a strong grip without tearing your hands, and without a center knurl that could harm you during dynamic movements.
Its bright zinc sleeves can withstand long-term use and enable easy weight changes, while the 41cm loadable sleeve length allows for heavy lifting and working with different increments.
The Pro Series Barbell features the best spin on the market, thanks to its bronze bushings, which evenly disperse weight across the bar and reduce the chance of injury during Olympic lifts such as the Clean & Jerk and Snatch.
With a 28.5mm diameter shaft, this barbell can handle a vast array of barbell exercise movements, making it suitable for Olympic weightlifting, powerlifting, and multi-purpose bar requirements.
Whether you prefer slow strength movements or dynamic and explosive lift exercises, the Force USA Pro Series Barbell is the perfect all-rounder.
Runner Up – REP Sabre Barbell
The REP Sabre Barbell is a versatile and durable barbell designed for powerlifting, Olympic weightlifting, and cross-training. With dual knurl markings for even hand placement, medium-depth knurling for a solid grip, and a static rating of 1,000 lbs, it's perfect for any strength training exercise. Available in 15kg and 20kg options, with zinc or black zinc finishes, and high-performance ball-bearing sleeves for smooth rotation, the Sabre Barbell is a high-quality, affordable option for any fitness enthusiast.
Rep Fitness is best known for its benches and racks, but they also have many great Olympic barbells!
The
Rep built this barbell specifically for the power lifts with a medium knurling suited for beginner trainees.
Considering it has a 1,000 lb loading capacity and 150,000 tensile strength, this is going to be plenty!
REP offers this barbell in 15 kg and 20 kg with or without a center knurl.
I’m a huge fan of the Sabre Bar for garage gym owners as it’s priced well and works great no matter what style of workout you prefer!
I go over this barbell more in-depth in my Rep Fitness Buying Guide if you want to learn more!
Budget – Titan Economy Olympic Barbell
The Titan Fitness Economy Olympic Barbell is a versatile barbell that can hold up to 700 pounds. Made of cold-rolled steel with a chrome finish, it has dual knurl marks that are suitable for both Olympic lifts and slower, heavier power lifts. This barbell is designed for beginner to intermediate lifters and is perfect for use in garage gym settings. The smooth sleeves of the bar feature bronze bushings, which provide a consistent and fluid roll to your bar. With its impressive weight capacity and durable construction, the Titan Fitness Economy Olympic Barbell is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable barbell.
I know Titan Fitness gets a lot of crap from people that require Rogue quality. They do very well to make better budget options than anybody else, though.
You don’t need an expensive barbell when you’re just starting, and the
While it might be a budget option, the quality of this barbell is obvious with its bronze bushings.
This barbell is 45 lbs with a loading capacity of 700 pounds.
It even has a center knurl and dual multipurpose marks for Powerlifting and Weightlifting.
The
You can check out more barbells and equipment from them in my Buying Guide!
Best Deadlift Bars
Deadlift bars are specialized for one thing, Deadlifts. But you already knew that, didn’t you?
Barbells made just for Deadlifting are pretty interesting. They have more aggressive knurling like a typical power bar.
Still, they also have a thinner shaft than even Olympic Weightlifting bars for greater whip and grip. Hey, that rhymed.
This makes Deadlifting much easier than lifting with a stiff Olympic bar as the barbell can flex under heavy weights so you can break the plates off the ground much easier.
Here are the best barbells on the market for Deadlifts!
Best – Texas Deadlift Bar
The Texas Deadlift Bar is perfect for your home gym. This bar has a tensile strength of 190,000 pounds and is made from high-quality materials. It also has three different shafts to choose from - bare steel, black zinc, or chrome - as well as two different sleeves - chrome or bare steel. The 27" diameter shaft makes it easy to grip and the aggressive knurl provides a solid grip. This bar is the official bar of the American Powerlifting Committee, the International Federations, and more!
This is the official
The length of this barbell is pretty impressive at 92.5 inches with 18″ sleeves so that you can load it up with all the weight in your gym.
It has incredibly aggressive knurling to maximize your grip strength, so you never drop another PR again.
The shaft comes in bare steel, black zinc, and chrome, while the sleeves are available in chrome and bare steel.
If you want the absolute best barbell for Deadlifting and you just so happen to be an experienced lifter, the
Super Close Runner Up – Rogue Deadlift Bar
The Rogue Ohio Deadlift bar is the best barbell on the market if you want to deadlift heavy weights. The 27mm shaft and aggressive knurling provide the best grip possible and the right amount of whip to get into your optimal starting position. The loadable sleeve length of 15.5" will allow you to load as much weight as you'll ever need. Plus, there are various shaft and sleeve finishes available to get the best option for your own training. If you want the best deadlift bar overall, this is it.
Make no mistake, the
They’re basically neck and neck, and both get the job done perfectly.
The main difference is that it’s around 2″ shorter overall, and the sleeve length is around 15.5″ long instead of 18″.
It also has the same tensile strength of around 190,000 so they both have the same loading capacity overall.
Rogue also offers a lifetime warranty covering bending from regular use, not negligent or faulty use.
It also comes in black zinc and bare steel variations and an E-coat finish.
It has very aggressive knurling for the best grip possible.
The Texas bar is just barely ahead between the Texas and Rogue Deadlift bars. They’re both very similar, and no matter what, you’ll be happy with your purchase.
Best Sumo Bar – Sumo Deadlift Bar By Strongarm
The Sumo Deadlift Bar by Strongarm is the best barbell for sumo deadlift specialists. It features a much longer center knurl to hold onto while in your sumo stance, and the outer sections of the bar are smooth so it doesn't drag up your shins and thighs like regular deadlift bars. If you want to get stronger at sumo deadlifts, this is the best option for you!
Everybody knows that Sumo is cheating, so let’s get that out of the way right now!
Just kidding, of course! This specialty bar is a little different than most out there.
It’s specifically designed for Sumo Deadlifting and is actually really smart!
I know many of you who train sumo have to deal with your shins dragging against the knurling.
Luckily, this Sumo Bar has no outer knurl to drag your shin against and just has the center knurl.
This makes it the perfect Sumo Deadlift bar, without a doubt!
It still has that same 27 mm shaft diameter, so the barbell can flex more from the starting position; the knurling is aggressive to never miss a Deadlift from your grip again.
It has a 1500 lb loading capacity, so throw as much weight as you can handle on it.
Sure, some might say that you can’t use this in competition, so what’s the point?
Well, people invest in Hex Bars, Safety Squat Bars, and Swiss Bars all the time. So surely there’s no point in getting those either because they can’t be used in competition either, right?
Getting a specialty bar like this is nice for people who just train to get bigger and stronger for their own benefit with no thoughts of competing.
Plus, Fringe Sport offers a limited lifetime warranty that covers bending under regular use, as well as defects in function and material.
Overall, if you’re a Sumo Deadlift Specialist, this is definitely the bar for you.
Best Barbell for Women
Women’s barbells are lighter, and the shaft itself tends to have a 25mm shaft diameter that allows for a better grip for smaller hands.
I’ve trained many clients in the past, and most of them just so happened to be women.
I know that if they had a women’s bar, it would be a lot easier for them to lift without the barbell slipping out of their grasp.
Luckily, there are a bunch of incredible women’s barbells out there because society is starting to realize that women lift as well! And they kick ass at it!
Here are the best barbells for women!
Best – Bomba Bar V3 Women’s Barbell
The BOMBA BAR V3 WOMEN'S BARBELL is the perfect barbell for women. It has a 15kg bar weight and a 25mm diameter. The dual knurl marks provide a secure grip while you're lifting. The black CERAKOTE shaft coating protects the bar from rust and scratches, while the black zinc sleeve coating protects the sleeves from wear and tear. The tensile strength of the BOMBA BAR V3 WOMEN'S BARBELL is 206,000 PSI and has a lifetime warranty as well.
Women’s barbells are lighter, and the shaft itself tends to have a 25mm shaft diameter that allows for a better grip for smaller hands.
I’ve trained many clients in the past, and most of them just so happened to be women. I know that if they had a women’s bar, it would be a lot easier for them to lift without the barbell slipping out of their grasp.
Luckily, there are a bunch of incredible women’s barbells out there because society is starting to realize that women lift as well! And they kick ass at it!
The best women’s barbell I’ve ever come across is the
It’s made in the USA with Alabama steel; has a black cerakote finish which makes for a sleek-looking barbell with the added benefit of corrosion resistance, abrasion, wear and, of course, impact strength.
This is the perfect general-use barbell due to the combination of needle bearings and moderate whip.
The lifetime warranty they offer shows it’s built to last, so you don’t have to worry about getting a replacement anytime soon!
On top of that, it has a 1200-pound capacity with 206,000 lb tensile strength, so good luck destroying this bar!
The Bomba Bar V3 is by far the best Olympic barbell for women on the market, so check it out if you’re interested.
Runner Up – The Bella Bar 2.0
The Rogue Fitness Bella Bar 2.0 is a 15 kg barbell designed for female athletes. Made in the USA, it's optimized for Olympic weightlifting, powerlifting, and CrossFit. The bar has a 25MM diameter, no center knurl, and a hybrid knurling pattern for a comfortable yet firm grip. With a 190,000 PSI tensile strength, U.S. steel, and snap-ring bronze bushings, the Bella Bar is a staple in women's CrossFit competitions, including the CrossFit Games. It's built with the same attention to detail as any bar in the Rogue family, making it a must-have for female athletes of all levels.
The
They weigh a standard 15kg with a 25mm shaft diameter. Perfect for all female athletes!
Like all Rogue Bars, it is made in Columbus, Ohio. I know many of you care for US-made barbells, so there you go.
With a tensile strength rating of 190,000 PSI, the Rogue
This is a true all-around multipurpose barbell that features a hybrid knurling pattern but without the center knurl.
Plus, with a combination of bronze bushings and just the right balance of natural whip and rigidity,
Budget – Synergee Regional Olympic 15kg Women’s Bar
Introducing the Synergee Regional Olympic 15kg Women's Bar - an impressive bar made from high-grade steel with a 190,000 psi tensile strength and 1500 lb weight capacity. It offers exceptional performance with a perfect grip due to the 1.2 mm diamond knurl and superior spin from the 5 needle bearings per sleeve. It's versatile, affordable, and backed by a no-sweat guarantee for quick and hassle-free customer service.
I rarely ever recommend things from Amazon unless they’re genuinely a high value for the price.
There’s a lot of junk to sift through, but luckily I did the hard work for you!
The
Plus, it boasts a solid 190,000 tensile strength with a 1,500 lb loading capacity.
The only real complaint I’ve heard is that the packaging is too hard to open and not packaged very well. Some have complained that the sleeves spin while lifting, which makes it dangerous apparently.
Amazon is weird because many unqualified people leave reviews that don’t seem to know that the packaging is perfect. After all, it’s hard to open, and the sleeves are supposed to spin; that’s literally how they’re designed.
Luckily, these strange reviews are in the minority, and it’s the best-rated budget women’s barbell on Amazon for a reason.
If you want a solid budget women’s option, this is it.
Best Barbell On Amazon
Everybody knows that gym equipment from Amazon is hit or miss. Sometimes it’s great, most of the time, though, it’s just shit, to put it bluntly.
Just because they have affordable prices doesn’t mean they’re worth buying from.
Luckily, a few companies with reliable equipment are much higher quality than everything else Amazon sellers offer.
For those wary of buying from anybody other than Amazon, you have peace of mind knowing that you’re protected if something is wrong with your order or you want a refund.
Here are the best barbells on Amazon!
Best – Synergee Games Cerakote Barbell
The Synergee Games Cerakote Barbell is a high-grade steel and cerakote barbell built to withstand tough workouts with its 190,000 PSI tensile strength rating, 1500 lb weight capacity, and 1.2 mm knurl. The barbell has a loadable sleeve length of 16.4 inches (20 kg) and 13 inches (15 KG) and is available in black, red, and pink cerakote options.
Everybody knows that gym equipment from Amazon is hit or miss. Sometimes it’s great, most of the time, though, it’s just shit, to put it bluntly.
Just because they have affordable prices doesn’t mean they’re worth buying from.
Luckily, Synergee has been putting out solid equipment that is much higher quality than everything else Amazon sellers offer.
The
The black and red cerakote finishes come in both women’s 15kg and men’s 20 kg options, while the pink cerakote finish is only available as a woman’s bar.
It has a solid 1500-pound capacity and a 190,000 PSI tensile strength rating.
Plus, with five needle bearings per sleeve, you can be sure to get a solid spin with Olympic lifts and still have dual knurl markings for power lifts as well.
This is the best barbell on Amazon, so check it out and give it a shot; it’s worth it!
Runner Up – XMark Lumberjack Weight Bar
Introducing the XMark LUMBERJACK 7' Olympic weight bar, perfect for a range of exercises including snatches, cleans, bench presses, squats, and more. Its black manganese phosphate coating offers unbeatable corrosion and abrasion protection, while the medium-depth fine knurling provides a firm grip. The chrome sleeves rotate freely on self-lubricating brass alloy bushings, and the high-quality alloy steel bar offers ultimate performance for cross-training, Olympic, and powerlifting routines.
If you want a budget barbell from Amazon that isn’t complete garbage, the
This is another multi purpose barbell like the Synergee Games bar, perfect for home gym owners.
The chrome sleeves have self-lubricating brass alloy bushings and provide the ultimate balance between Olympic lifting, Powerlifting, and CrossFit training.
The fact that it’s under $200 with free shipping is just another cherry on top.
If you want a good budget barbell from Amazon, the XMark Lumberjack Weight Bar is another good choice.
Budget – CAP Barbell 7-Foot Olympic Bar (THE BOSS)
Introducing the CAP Barbell 7-Foot Olympic Bar, also known as, THE BOSS. Made with solid Japanese steel and a black phosphate finish, this bar boasts a 132,000 PSI tensile strength. With medium-depth diamond knurling and rotating sleeves with bushings for a smooth spin, it offers a secure grip and reduced pressure on your wrists and forearms. THE BOSS is perfect for squats, bench presses, deadlifts, and more. It's also backed by CAP's 30+ years of experience in the fitness industry and a 5-year warranty.
CAP Barbell has made a ton of budget options for years, so they definitely have a solid reputation.
Sure, they are a genuine budget company, and their equipment is lower quality than many others I recommend.
However, the CAP Barbell 7-Foot Olympic Bar, also known as THE BOSS, is probably the best barbell on amazon for those on a budget. For many people, this will be plenty for their training goals.
It’s been available forever and has solid specs for the price point. Of course, it’s a 7-foot barbell, so it should fit in basically any rack ever.
Which, if you’re curious if you even need a power rack at all, my guide answers the question once and for all!
It only has a 132,000 Tensile strength, but with a (potential) 1,000 lb capacity, it should be plenty for most lifters.
THE BOSS has a 28.5 mm shaft diameter, so it provides a decent amount of whip and stiffness for any type of training you need to do.
It even has a center knurl for better grip on squats and cleans.
All in all, it makes sense why this barbell is one of the highest-rated on Amazon; if you want a solid budget option, this is it.
Best Safety Squat Bar
Safety Squat Bars are primarily used for squatting, but you can also use them for lunges, split squats, good mornings, and more!
The main advantage is that you have much better stability across your upper back than straight barbells, and you don’t have to externally rotate your shoulders to get setup.
If you want to do any lower body variations with a more stable barbell or if you have beat-up shoulders that need a break, these are the barbells for you!
Best – Kabuki Transformer Bar
The Kabuki Strength Transformer Bar is a unique barbell that allows for different squat variations. With its simple pin mechanism, even novice lifters can learn squat movement patterns in a more comfortable way. The longer handles and bend provide a balanced center, which allows for adjustment in the weight's center of mass, changing loading mechanics, movement dynamics, and training effects.
The
The first multi-functional, adjustable barbell allows for 24 different squat variations with a super-smart spring-pin safety mechanism.
The adjustable design has six different positions with 30 degrees of variance between them.
They replicate different squat movement patterns, and it’s not a gimmick whatsoever.
These movements include the following:
- Back Squat – High Bar Position
- Back Squat – Low Bar Position
- Front Squat – The load is distributed similarly to a front rack position with much better stability.
- Goblet Squat – Imitates a goblet squat position without your upper body and grip as the limiting factor.
- Hip Hinge – If you want to do good mornings or just learn how to hip hinge effectively, this mimics that perfectly.
- Traditional Safety Squat Bar – Of course, it just has a standard SSB setting. It just has to, ya know?
There’s also a second mechanism that adjusts the position of the weight sleeve with four different options.
This allows you to make the movement easier or harder, depending on how far away the weight is from the center of the bar.
Between these two adjustment mechanisms, you have up to 24 different squat and hinge movements to mess around with, which is pretty incredible.
Of course, the shoulder pad is injection-molded and constructed of a high-density foam core, which gives you the most comfortable position possible.
The handles also have an aggressive knurling as deep as some of the best deadlift bars.
They even include a naturally curved handle that provides the most stable position possible.
The
With a loading capacity of 1500 pounds and a high-density foam pad, you’re going to be able to squat massive weights in the most comfortable position possible.
If you want the absolute best SSB with the most functionality, there isn’t anything like the Transformer Bar from Kabuki Strength.
Runner-Up – Rep Safety Squat Bar
Introducing the Rep Fitness Safety Squat Bar, a specialty barbell with removable, fully knurled handles that offer multiple movement options. Its cambered ends distribute weight differently, improving technique and core stabilization. Designed for those with injuries or mobility limitations, the SSB is compatible with 2" Olympic-sized plates and standard barbell collars. With a striking two-toned design, this barbell weighs 68lbs, has a static rating of 1,500lbs, and comes in a metallic black powder coat. Perfect for any home or commercial gym.
The Rep Safety Squat Bar is one of the best value specialty barbells on the market. With removable, fully knurled handles that provide multiple movement options, this barbell is incredibly functional and adaptable.
Its cambered ends distribute weight differently, forcing you to stay upright during squats, improve your technique, and trains the posterior train much harder than a standard barbell.
This barbell is user-friendly as the cambers are further apart at 49.1″ for easier racking on even the widest racks.
It also has a comfortable and firm, textured pad constructed with high-density foam and wrapped in vinyl. It’s incredibly durable while also being simple to clean as well.
The metallic black powder coat finish not only makes the barbell look sleek, but also protects it from wear and tear.
The Rep Safety Squat Bar is compatible with 2″ Olympic-sized plates and standard barbell collars, making it an excellent addition to any home or commercial gym.
With a weight of 68 lbs and a static capacity of 1,500 lbs, this bar will handle any weights you throw at it.
Whether you’re working through injuries or have mobility limitations, this Rep Safety Squat bar will get the job done.
Budget – Titan Safety Squat Olympic Bar v2
The Titan Safety Squat Bar – V2 is perfect for beginners! With its extra-thick shoulder pad, you can perform squats with ease and without worrying about injury. The shoulder pad also reduces pressure on your knees, making it a great choice for those just starting out. Additionally, the bar has a 1500 lb. weight capacity and comes with chrome sleeves and shaft coatings to help prevent rust.
Titan Fitness has made considerable strides in the last couple of years with the quality of its equipment. Sure, their shipping still has a long way to go, but at least it’s free!
The
I own the original one, and although it’s okay, the V2 version is far superior.
It’s chrome coated and has a capacity of 1500 pounds which is pretty fantastic at this price point.
The shoulder pad is extra thick and comes in one piece, so it doesn’t slide around like the original version.
There’s not much else to say; at this price, the
Best Hex Bars
Hex, or Trap Bars as they’re more commonly known, is a special type of barbell that puts you in a more neutral position while using it, which is a huge benefit for deadlifting safely.
Plus, because you stand inside the bar, you can keep your torso more upright for those who have to train around a bad back. I know a lot of you have to deal with this, so I know for a fact a Hex Bar is going to be on top of your list as it was for me.
Let’s go over the best Trap Bars on the market!
Best – Kabuki Strength Trap Bar HD
First up, we have the
This Hex Bar from Kabuki Strength has many different awesome features that make it stand out from other Trap/Hex Bars.
The first is that it has multiple different handle bracket widths so that you can customize it to your individual needs.
These come in standard 25″, narrow 23″, wide 27″ variations, and you can even add one of each, so you have different options for training partners or clients.
Next, they have swappable grips that are stainless steel and machined to exact specifications.
You get two sets of the standard 29mm grips included so you can alternate between the higher and lower handles like a typical hex bar.
However, they have a smaller 1″ set (26mm), 1.5″ set (38mm), and a 2″ set (51mm) dubbed the Love Handle Set. I love the play on words there, Kabuki!
The cool thing about the Love Handles is that you can set them to spin freely or have them fixed like a regular grip. This will make your grip work on Deadlift, Shrugs, Farmer Carries, and more that much harder.
Another excellent feature that I’ve seen other companies use more frequently lately is the built-in Deadlift jack. Since this Hex Bar has an open design, they thought of an excellent way to use it.
You roll the bar up onto its side, and the Bar Jack allows you to store it in a vertical position. This is a good way to store it when not in use and, of course, allows you to load and unload the bar a lot quicker!
Of course, this is Kabuki Strength we’re talking about, so the build quality is incredible, and the attention to detail they put into delivering a professional-grade product is evident.
If you want the absolute best Hex Bar that money can buy, it’s not even close; this is it.
Runner Up – Rep Fitness Open Trap Bar
If you’re looking to add some variety to your workout routine, the REP Open Trap Bar is a great option to consider.
One standout feature of the REP Open Trap Bar is its integrated deadlift jack, which not only makes it easier to load and unload weight but also acts as a counterweight to keep the bar balanced.
This hex bar has a weight of 58.4 lbs (excluding handles) and features a round tube frame that offers comfort during both pressing and squatting movements.
The frame is also designed with a 6″ section of medium-light knurling, providing extra grip during squatting movements.
In terms of handle options, the REP Open Trap Bar has fully knurled, stainless-steel handles, with the exception of the Rotating Handles which have a hard-chrome finish.
All handles are removable and can be switched out quickly, allowing you to choose the width inside the bar that works best for you.
The bar’s textured matte black powder coat provides an added level of grip, while the sleeves are plated with hard chrome to stand up to loading and unloading the bar.
The bar is also rackable and sits flush and secure on even wide 49″ racks.
Overall, the REP Open Trap Bar is a versatile and functional piece of equipment that can add a new dimension to your workouts.
Whether you’re looking to switch up your deadlift routine or add some variety to your leg day, this bar is definitely worth considering.
Budget – Titan Fitness Hex Trap Bar
The Titan Rackable Hex Trap Bar V3 is perfect for exercises such as shrugs, deadlifts, pulls, and more. The medium diamond texture knurling ensures a secure grip while the powder-coated black finish protects the bar from rust and corrosion. The 1.5" steel tubing material makes it strong and durable, with a weight capacity of up to 800 lb. Plus, the dual handle design offers two sets of knurled handles for a more comfortable grip.
This is the best value Hex Bar you can get on the market.
Like Rogues TB-2 Hex Bar, this barbell features a dual-handle design with a Black Powder Coat.
The medium diamond texture knurling will ensure you have a solid grip on the bar.
Although the
capacity is only 800 pounds, I think that’s going to be plenty for most lifters out there for the price.
If you want the
Best Curl Bars
The main reason you would want to use a dedicated curl bar instead of an Olympic barbell is the angled handles, which reduce tension on your wrists.
It makes a huge difference!
Related: Not sure what the differences are between a regular barbell and an EZ curl one? This guide covers what an EZ bar is, the different types and more!
Best – Rogue Curl Bar
Introducing the ultimate curl bar from Rogue, the industry leader in strength and conditioning equipment. This bad boy is fully machined and assembled right here in the USA, so you know it's built to last. They've taken all the best features from their flagship Ohio Bar and packed them into this curl bar. You'll love the bronze bushings, snap ring design, and their signature Ohio knurl pattern that provides a secure grip.
The
With a 5-year warranty, you can be sure this is one of the highest quality curl bars on the market.
Plus, the bushings will provide a smooth spin to reduce torque on your elbows and wrists when curling.
It only has 110,000 PSI, but since it’s just a curl bar you’ll be loading, does that matter?
The camber on this knurled curl bar is pretty aggressive, but that’s going to reduce the strain on your wrists significantly.
If you want a high-quality curl bar, this is an excellent option.
Runner Up – REP Rackable Curl Bar
The Rep Fitness Rackable Curl Bar is the best value option on the market. With a 74" shaft, you can rack this bar in pretty much any standard-width power rack, which is definitely convenient. It is also a great deal heavier than shorter options at 35 lbs. This is also due to its 30mm shaft diameter, which increases its weight capacity as well. The hybrid bearings and bushings in the sleeves offer a smooth spin, while the hard chrome and stainless steel options provide excellent rust-resistance. Regardless of if you're a beginner or a more experienced athlete, the REP Fitness Rackable Curl Bar is a great value option for your home gym.
Reps Rackable Curl bar is available in chrome or a stainless steel finish.
This bar is incredibly long, which is important if you want to rack the bar between sets of curls or even skull crushers. That must be why they call is a “rackable curl bar,” huh?
The camber on this isn’t nearly as aggressive as Rogues, but it’s still going to take a tremendous amount of strain off of your wrists.
There is a slight issue with the bar that might be a dealbreaker for some users. The knurl on the bar is only in two sections instead of being knurled throughout the grooves.
Some have stated that it makes wider grips more challenging to hold onto it as you’re gripping the smoothness of the bar.
Otherwise, it’s a great option that should get the job done for most.
Check out my guide on the best rackable curl bars to see more options!
Budget – Titan Rackable EZ Curl Bar
The Titan Rackable EZ Curl Bar offers unbeatable value for a rackable curl bar. With its bronze bushings, medium-depth knurling, and hard chrome coating - this bar is a top choice for those looking for a high-quality curl bar at an affordable price. The knurling coverage is particularly impressive, as some pricier curl bars have segmented sections of knurling instead. If you want an awesome rackable curl bar at almost half the price of the competitors, this bar is for you.
If you just want a solid budget option from a reputable company, this Olympic EZ Curl bar is great.
It can handle up to 200 pounds with its 110,000 tensile strength, and the diamond-knurled grip is a little more aggressive than you would expect.
However, since it’s at a much lower price, you get what you pay for. Some have reported a little bit of rust on it, but Titan seems to have pretty good customer service, as shown in my Titan Fitness review.
I still recommend this bar as it’s the best curl bar you can get in this price range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Now I turn it over to you!
What do you think of the barbells I covered in this guide?
Do you agree with the quality they bring to the table?
Were there any barbells you feel are worthy enough to add to this list?
Either way, leave a comment below right now!
Until next time,
-Dante