Exploring The Different Types of Deadlift Bars

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When it comes to deadlifts, the type of bar you use can make a significant difference.

In this article, I’ll explain the different types of deadlift bars out there. We’ll look at each bar’s design and how it can impact your workouts, especially if you’re keen on building strength at home or in your local gym.

Understanding these options is crucial for making an informed decision about which bar is best for your lifting routine.

Let’s get started!

Key Takeaways

Bar TypeBest ForNot Ideal ForKey Features
Multipurpose BarbellGeneral strength training, beginnersFocused deadlift trainingVersatile, thinner shaft, moderate whip
Olympic Weightlifting BarbellVariety in training including deadlifts, Olympic liftsPrimary focus on deadliftingMore whip, smoother rotation
Power BarPowerlifters, heavy deadliftsBeginners, dynamic liftsStiff, aggressive knurling, minimal whip
Trap BarPulling heavy weights, back issuesCompetitive deadliftingNeutral grip, ergonomic, versatile
Deadlift BarExperienced deadlifters, competitive liftingBeginners, versatile trainingLonger length, thinner shaft, high whip

Why Are Deadlift Bars More Flexible?

Deadlift bars are designed with more flexibility compared to standard bars, and there’s a good reason for this.

This flexibility, often referred to as the ‘whip’ of the bar, allows the bar to bend slightly under heavy weights. This bending action can be particularly beneficial during heavy lifts. It gives you a slight mechanical advantage at the start of the lift, allowing for a smoother initial pull.

This design can make a noticeable difference in your deadlifting performance, especially when lifting heavier weights. It’s a subtle yet significant feature that enhances the deadlifting experience.

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What Are The Different Types Of Deadlift Bars?

In this section, we’re going to look at the various types of deadlift bars. Each has its unique features, designed for different lifting styles. It’s important to know these differences to choose the right bar for your training needs.

Multipurpose Barbell

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The Multipurpose Barbell is a versatile option for deadlifting. It’s designed to handle a variety of lifts, making it a practical choice for a home gym or general strength training.

While it may not have the specialized features of a dedicated deadlift bar, its flexibility makes it suitable for those who want a single bar for multiple exercises.

If you’re looking for an all-in-one solution for your lifting needs, including deadlifts, the Multipurpose Barbell is a solid choice.

Who Should Use This Bar

The Multipurpose Barbell is a solid choice for lifters who aren’t solely focused on deadlifting but want to incorporate it into a broader workout routine.

It’s especially useful for beginners who are building foundational strength across various exercises. This barbell suits home gym owners too, who might be looking for a single, versatile bar for different types of lifts.

So, if deadlifting is part of your training but not the only focus, or if you’re starting out and exploring different strength exercises, this bar could be just what you need.

Who Shouldn’t Use This Bar

The Multipurpose Barbell might not be the best fit for lifters who are deeply focused on deadlifting, particularly those training for competitions.

Advanced lifters or those who prioritize deadlifting in their routine might find this bar lacking in the specialized features that dedicated deadlift bars offer.

Essentially, if deadlifting is your primary focus and you’re aiming to maximize performance and results specifically in this lift, you’d be better served by a bar designed solely for deadlifting.

SPECS

PROS

CONS

Best Men’s Multipurpose Bar

Best Men’s Multipurpose Bar
The Ohio Bar – Stainless Steel

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.

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Best Women’s Multipurpose Bar

Best Women’s Multipurpose Bar
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.

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Olympic Weightlifting Barbell

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The Olympic Weightlifting Barbell is primarily designed for Olympic lifts like the snatch and clean and jerk. Its features, such as a more pronounced whip and smoother rotation from the bearings, cater to the dynamic and explosive nature of these lifts.

When it comes to deadlifting, this barbell can be used, but it’s not the optimal choice. Deadlift bars are thinner than men’s Olympic weightlifting bars so in theory they should be similar in the amount of whip they have.

Women’s Olympic bars, at 25mm, will have whip closer to that of deadlift bars. This can make them a potentially suitable alternative for deadlifts, especially for those who prefer a thinner grip or a slightly more flexible bar.

However, they are still primarily designed for Olympic lifts, so the whip might still be more than what is ideal for deadlifting.

Who Should Use This Bar

The Olympic Weightlifting Barbell is a good choice for lifters who incorporate a variety of lifting styles in their training, including deadlifts. It suits those who value a bar with more flex and a smoother spin, which can be beneficial for dynamic lifts.

While it’s not the primary choice for dedicated deadlift-focused lifters, it’s suitable for those who practice Olympic lifts and want to include deadlifts without switching bars.

This bar can also appeal to athletes who prefer a lighter grip and a moderate amount of whip in their deadlifting.

Who Shouldn’t Use This Bar

The Olympic Weightlifting Barbell may not be the best choice for lifters whose primary focus is deadlifting, especially for those who train for powerlifting competitions. Its whip and flexibility, while beneficial for Olympic lifts, can be a disadvantage for heavy deadlifts where stability is key.

Also, lifters who prefer a bar with less flex and a more secure grip during deadlifts might find this bar less suitable. It’s less ideal for those who need a bar that supports maximum weight loading with minimal flex.

SPECS

PROS

CONS

Best Men’s Olympic Bar

Best Men’s Olympic Bar
Rogue 28MM Training Bar – Black Zinc

The Rogue 28MM Training Bar is designed, machined, and assembled at the Rogue factory in Columbus, Ohio using the same steel shaft and uniform knurl pattern as our Olympic WL Bar. In place of the Oly Bar’s bearing sleeves, however, the Training Bar is assembled with bronze bushings in the style of the Rogue Ohio Bar.

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Best Women’s Bar Olympic Bar

Best Women’s Bar Olympic Bar
Rogue Women's Pyrros Bar - 25mm

The Rogue Women's Pyrros Bar is the perfect choice for serious Olympic weightlifters who demand the best equipment to help them reach their goals. This bar is constructed with a stainless steel shaft that boasts a 200,000 PSI tensile strength, making it incredibly durable and long-lasting. The chrome sleeves feature high-quality needle bearings, which provide a smooth spin and great performance. The bar is machined and assembled in Columbus, OH, ensuring superior craftsmanship and attention to detail.

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Power Bar

man using a powerlifting barbell for the deadlift

The Power Bar is primarily designed for powerlifting, including squats, bench presses, and deadlifts. Its stiffer design minimizes whip, making it stable and suitable for heavy lifts.

When used for deadlifting, the Power Bar’s stiff nature allows for a consistent pull without the bar flexing too much. This can be particularly beneficial for lifters focusing on building strength and perfecting their deadlift technique.

Its aggressive knurling also provides a secure grip, which is essential for heavy deadlifting. It’s by far the most reliable choice for powerlifters and those who prioritize heavy, stable lifts in their training.

Who Should Use This Bar

The Power Bar is ideal for powerlifters and serious lifters who focus on deadlifting as a key part of their training. Its stiffness and more aggressive knurling make it suitable for those who need a stable and secure grip for heavy lifting.

This bar is also a good choice for those who prefer minimal whip in their deadlifts, offering a consistent and straightforward lift from the floor. It’s well-suited for lifters who train with heavy weights and seek to improve their deadlift technique and strength.

Who Shouldn’t Use This Bar

The Power Bar might not be the best choice for lifters who are new to deadlifting or those who prefer a bar with more flex. Its stiff nature and aggressive knurling, while great for heavy and technical lifts, can be challenging for beginners or those with sensitive hands.

Additionally, if you’re focusing on dynamic lifts or Olympic-style lifting, the characteristics of the Power Bar may not align with your training needs. It’s also less ideal for those who prefer a bar that aids in the initial lift off the ground due to its minimal whip.

SPECS

PROS

CONS

Best Power Bar

Best Power Bar
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.

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Trap Bar

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The Trap Bar, also known as a hex bar, is primarily used for deadlifts and offers a unique alternative to the traditional straight barbell.

Its design allows you to stand inside the bar, creating a more neutral spine and hand position. This can reduce stress on the lower back and engage different muscle groups compared to conventional deadlifts.

The Trap Bar is particularly beneficial for those who are new to deadlifting or have mobility limitations. It’s a versatile tool, often preferred for its ability to provide a more upright lifting position.

Who Should Use This Bar

The Trap Bar is ideal for those who want to focus on pulling heavy weights from the floor, especially if they have back issues. Its design allows for a more upright position, reducing lower back strain. It’s also great for lifters looking for a comfortable grip and those new to deadlifting, as it offers a more intuitive and ergonomic lifting experience.

Who Shouldn’t Use This Bar

The Trap Bar might not be suitable for competitive lifters, as it’s not used in standard deadlift competitions. Additionally, lifters who are accustomed to or prefer the traditional deadlift form with a straight bar may find the Trap Bar less beneficial for their specific training goals.

Specs

Trap Bars vary so much in construction and there aren’t any real guidelines they’re bound by like other Olympic or Power Bars. In general, though, they weigh more than 45 lbs, most don’t have Olympic-sized sleeves so specialty collars are necessary, and that’s about all the general specs you can find.

PROS

CONS

Best Trap Bar

Best Trap Bar
Rep Fitness Open Trap Bar

The Rep Open Trap Bar is the best deadlift hex bar on the market if value and versatility are important to you. Not only does it have multiple handle options that are fully stainless steel, but it also has a built-in jack that keeps the bar balanced while performing trap bar deadlifts. The deadlift jack is also super handy for loading/unloading plates. You can also use Reps open hex bar just like a cambered squat or bench press bar, making it by far one of the best value trap bars by far!

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Deadlift Bar

mark bell doing a deadlift using a deadlift bar

The Deadlift Bar, specifically designed for deadlifting, features a longer overall length and a thinner 27mm shaft. This design results in more whip, which can be advantageous in building momentum for the lift. The increased whip and thinner shaft help in achieving a better starting position and can be particularly beneficial for experienced deadlifters looking to maximize their performance. This specialty bar is tailored for those who want to focus on improving their deadlift with equipment that complements the specific demands of this lift.

Who Should Use This Bar

The specialty Deadlift Bar is best suited for experienced lifters who are focusing primarily on deadlifting. It’s ideal for those looking to take advantage of the bar’s whip and grip features to enhance their performance, especially in a competitive setting. This bar is tailored for lifters who want a dedicated tool to improve their deadlift technique and results.

Who Shouldn’t Use This Bar

This bar might not be the best choice for beginners or those who are looking for a more versatile barbell for various types of lifts. Its specialization in deadlifting means it’s less practical for other lifts, and the cost might be prohibitive for those not specifically focusing on deadlifts.

SPECS

PROS

CONS

Best Deadlift Bar

Best Deadlift Bar
Rogue Ohio 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.

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Conclusion

Choosing the right deadlift bar depends on your specific training needs and goals. Whether you’re a beginner, a general strength enthusiast, or a competitive powerlifter, there’s a bar out there for you.

The key is to match the bar’s features – whip, grip, and versatility – with your lifting style. Remember, while specialized bars like the Deadlift Bar offer specific advantages, more versatile options like the Multipurpose Barbell cater to a wider range of exercises.

Make your choice based on what fits best with your training focus and how you want to progress in your lifting journey.

Until next time,

-Dante

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