A barbell set is one of the cornerstones of all gyms. Barbells are arguably the most versatile fitness equipment, as they can be used for individual exercises or in combination with many gym machines. Today we’ll see which is the best barbell set for home gym owners and what makes them great.
The top list has eight sets in total, each of them with a unique category - including best overall choice, recommended for beginners, budget or premium picks, and other special characteristics, to help you find the ideal home barbell set for your needs.
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The BRAVO set provides top-tier quality and excellent package contents for a price that’s fair for what you get.
Top 8 Barbell Sets Reviewed
- Rogue BRAVO BAR & BUMPER SET - Top Pick
- BalanceFrom 2" Olympic Barbell Set - Runner-Up
- Marcy Standard Size Curl Bar and Dumbbell Handle Set - Best Without Weights
- US Weight Duracast - Best For Lightweight Training
- Yaheetech Barbell Weight Set - Best 1” Curl Bar with Weights
- Yes4All Adjustable Cast Iron Dumbbell Sets - Best Adjustable
- Nice C Dumbbell Set, Weights Adjustable Barbell Pair - Best for Beginners
- The Step 4-Weight Deluxe Barbell Set
1. Rogue BRAVO BAR & BUMPER SET - Top Pick
Let's start the list off strong with this premium BRAVO bar and weights set by Rogue Fitness. Based in Columbus, Ohio, Rogue is one of the top fitness equipment manufacturers in the world.
The majority of their products are made in the USA, following top of the line standards. This makes them a trusted choice for everyone from home gym owners, to large fitness chains, and even high-level competitions. This Olympic weight set with bar includes either the Ohio Bar or the Bella Bar 2.0 barbells.
- Material: U.S. Grade Steel
- Bar Weight: Standard Olympic weight - 20KG (44 lbs) Ohio Bar or 15KG (33 lbs) Bella Bar
- Plate Weight: (2 x 10 lbs, 2 x 25 lbs, 2 x 35 lbs, and 2 x 45 lbs)
- Total Weight: 263 - 274 lbs depending on the barbell
- Bar Length: 86.75 and 79 inches respectively
- Bar Diameter: Ohio Bar 1.1 inches (28.5 mm), Bella Bar 0.98 inches (25 mm)
- Sleeve Diameter: 1.9 inches (50 mm) Olympic sleeves
- Plate Diameter: 17.72 inches
- Weight Limit: Tested for over 1,000 Pounds (190,000 PSI)
- Color: Black
- Items Included: One barbell, eight bumper plates (4 pairs), one pair of lockers
Both barbells feature standardized Olympic Sizing - Male size for the Ohio bar and Female size for the Bella Bar 2.0.
For those unfamiliar, this means they follow a strict size found on all Olympic bars, so they can be used reliably in combination with all Olympic-sized equipment, including bumper plates, racks, collars, etc.
Each barbell comes with a black zinc shaft and bright zinc sleeves, though you can also select a black Oxide finish for the Ohio bar.
At 190,000 PSI tensile strength, both bars can withstand the heaviest of loads without failing - including as much as 1,000 pounds.
The rotating sleeves on each bar feature a bronze bushing that acts as the bearing surface between the sleeve and shaft, providing a smoother spin and a natural whip during lifts.
The bars feature dual knurl marks both for Powerlifting and Olympic lifts, however, they’re missing the center knurl, which would have been a nice addition.
Every BRAVO set comes with Rogue HG 2.0 bumper plates, including a pair of 10 lbs, 25 lbs, 35 lbs, and 45 lbs.
All plates are 17.72 inches in diameter, in accordance with International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) standards.
Also included in the package is a pair of Rogue OSO barbell collars to secure your bumper plates in place.
To top things off, the barbells come with a Lifetime Warranty.
The BRAVO set provides top-tier quality and excellent package contents for a price that’s fair for what you get.
Positives:
Made in the U.S.A. (Columbus, Ohio)
Lifetime warranty
190,000 PSI tensile strength provides incredible durability
Rotating sleeves with bronze bushing
Package includes 8 bumper plates
Could be better:
Somewhat expensive compared to similar sets
2. BalanceFrom 2" Olympic Barbell Set - Runner-Up
Our second-placed best barbell weight set is made by BalanceForm. The brand makes excellent quality fitness equipment for fair prices, making them a popular choice for home gym owners.
If you’re on a tighter budget and the Rogue BRAVO set seems expensive, this combined Olympic barbell rubber weight set could be a great alternative.
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Bar Weight: 44 lbs
- Plate Weight: 160 lbs (2 x 10 lbs, 2 x 25 lbs, and 2 x 45 lbs)
- Total Weight: 205 lbs
- Bar Length: 86.6 inches
- Bar Diameter: 0.97 inches
- Sleeve Diameter: 1.96 inches
- Plate Diameter: 17.75 (Olympic Standard)
- Weight Limit: 700 Pounds
- Color: Chrome
- Items Included: One barbell, six weight plates (3 pairs), one pair of spring collars
The barbell is made according to standard Olympic weightlifting sizing and has rotating sleeves. Both sides of the barbell and the center have knurling for safety and convenient gripping and handling.
The set comes with six bumper plates in pairs of 10, 25, and 45 pounds, and two spring collars to lock them in place. Each plate is coated in rubber that provides necessary amortization when dropped and has a stainless steel inner ring for easy sliding on and off the barbell. That said, the 10 lbs plates can bend if dropped alone while on the barbell, as noted by the manufacturer.
Overall, this set has excellent value for money.
Pgoto by @dragonfyre_journey
Positives:
Standardized Olympic sizing
Both side and center Olympic knurling
Bumper plates are marked with both Pounds and Kilograms making them more universal
Could be better:
The manufacturer notes the 10 lbs bumper plates could bend if dropped, so you have to be more careful with them
3. Marcy Standard Size Curl Bar and Dumbbell Handle Set - Best Without Weights
If you’re looking for a simple, affordable bar to exercise your upper body, then this set might be the best choice for you. The package includes both a standard curled barbell and two dumbbell handles, which are excellent for various arm exercises.
The set is excellent if you’re on a budget, but it’s important to mention you’ll have to buy adequate weight plates separately, as they’re not included.
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Bar Weight: Curled bar 5 Pounds, dumbbells 1 pound each
- Plate Weight: Plates not included in package
- Total Weight: 7 lbs
- Bar Length: Curled bar 45.5 inches, dumbbells 15 inches
- Bar Diameter: 1 inch
- Sleeve Diameter: 1 inch
- Weight Limit: 100 pounds (curled bar), 50 pounds (each dumbbell)
- Color: Chrome
- Items Included: One barbell, two dumbbell handles, six spring collars
The lightweight curled bar allows you to hold it in various positions, and the knurling adds extra safety and comfort to your grip. This makes them excellent for workouts such as biceps curls, triceps extensions, bent-over rows, and similar.
However, the low maximum capacity and short length may limit you from doing heavier lift exercises. The bar and dumbbell handle sleeves are both one inch in diameter, so you can use the same plate set on both items interchangeably.
Along with the bar set, six spring collars come with every package. This is a nice touch as you get a pair for each bar, meaning you won’t have to take them on and off each time you want to change your exercise. To top things off, each set purchase comes with a two-year warranty, which is a nice bonus considering this is a fairly inexpensive product.
Positives:
Curled grip provides more comfort
Fine knurling on all bars
Separate dumbbell handles are included in every set
Six spring collars included in the package
Could be better:
Weight plates have to be bought separately as they’re not included in the set
4. US Weight Duracast - Best For Lightweight Training
If you’re looking for a lightweight training set to use at home, USA Weight has you covered. The set features a light barbell and plates, all of which have the “Made in U.S.A.” stamp to boot.
Considering the barbell size and weight capacity, this could be the ideal women's barbell set, for example.
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Bar Weight: 5 lbs
- Plate Weight: 50 lbs (4 x 10 lbs, 2 x 5 lbs)
- Total Weight: 55 lbs
- Bar Length: 54 inches
- Bar Diameter: 1 inch
- Sleeve Diameter: 1 inch
- Plate Diameter: Not specified by manufacturer
- Weight Limit: 55 Pounds
- Color: Black
- Items Included: One barbell, six weight plates, two spring lockers
The black coating finish not only gives the bar a sleek look, but it also protects the alloy steel underneath and extends the life cycle of the metal. Each package contains one 54-inch long standard barbell, two 5 lbs and four 10 lbs plates, and a pair of spring lockers. It’s important to note the plates are made from plastic, which means they can break or damage the floor if dropped.
However, if this is a concern, the 1-inch bar diameter can fit any set of standard bumper plates, so you’re not limited to using only the plates you get.
Another advantage is that you can get a man’s or a women’s barbell. The latter is shorter and lighter, but also meets all Olympic standards. Another difference is the absence of center knurling, which makes it more comfortable for cleans.
As for other knurling peculiarities, as Pyrros prefers a slightly more aggressive type, this bar is exactly what he chose. You can definitely feel the difference, compared to Eleiko or other Rogue barbells. If your palms are hardened by hundreds of heavy workouts, and you cope with harsh knurling effects well, it will benefit you with a firm grip.
Still, it can cause some pain if you are a newbie and not used to the hook grip yet. Additionally, this bar may not be a good option for CrossFit training as well. It can be too harsh on your skin in case you have a lot of reps in a set.
As you can see, the Pyrros bar is not as versatile as many other options on the list, but if you are an advanced Olympic weightlifter, you may fall in love with it!
Positives:
Excellent for lightweight home workouts
Sleek black powder coat finish
Workout guide included
Could be better:
The weights are made of plastic which can crack or damage the floor if dropped
5. Yaheetech Barbell Weight Set - Best 1” Curl Bar with Weights
The Yaheetech barbell and weight set features a lightweight curled iron bar with a standard 1-inch shaft and sleeve diameter. The W-shaped curl allows the user to do various grip positions, making certain exercises more comfortable on the wrists and hands with this bar.
Considering you get both the bar and weights in the package for the same price, the set is also quite affordable.
- Material: Iron and plastic
- Bar Weight: 10 lbs
- Plate Weight: 44 lbs (4 x 5.5 lbs, 2 x 11 lbs)
- Total Weight: 54 lbs
- Bar Length: 47 inches
- Bar Diameter: 1 inch
- Sleeve Diameter: 1 inch
- Plate Diameter: 8.2 and 10.2 inches
- Weight Limit: 55 Pounds
- Color: Chrome
- Items Included: One barbell, six weight plates, two star lock collars, assembly tools
Each package comes with a bar, six weight plates - four 5.5 (2.5 kg) and two 11 lbs (5 kg) - and a pair of star lockers to hold them in place. The plates are made from concrete covered in plastic, so they’re not as durable or safe as bumper plates. The screw-on sleeves and star lockers will hold the weights in place well enough, but you still have to be careful not to drop them.
The bar itself is quite light at around 10 pounds, so it’s easy to carry with you and store anywhere. The 55 Pound maximum capacity is fairly standard for curled bars used primarily for arm exercises. The bar does require assembly, although it’s fairly easy.
Just connect the two pieces in the middle and screw them in, and you’re ready to go.
Positives:
Comfortable W-shaped curl for various grip positions
Easy out of the box assembly with necessary tools included in the package
The screw-on sleeves and star lockers secure the plates well
Could be better:
Concrete weight plates will crack if dropped
6. Yes4All Adjustable Cast Iron Dumbbell Sets - Best Adjustable
The Yes4All Adjustable compact barbell set features an interesting connective mechanism that’s both ergonomic and space-saving. Each set comes with a pair of dumbbell handles which can be used for exercising separately or connected together using the center bar piece.
This gives the product a large amount of workout versatility at a fairly low price for everything you receive.
- Material: Cast Iron
- Bar Weight: 55 pounds
- Plate Weight: 42 lbs (4 x 3 lbs, 4 x 7.5 lbs)
- Total Weight: 97 lbs
- Bar Length: 47 inches
- Bar Diameter: 1 inch
- Sleeve Diameter: 1 inch
- Plate Diameter: 5 & 6.4 inches
- Weight Limit: 25 pounds for each dumbbell, 50 pounds for the connected barbell
- Color: Chrome
- Items Included: Two dumbbell handles, one connective bar, eight weight plates, four star lock collars
Both the connecting barbell and dumbbells feature fine diamond-shaped knurling for a more secure grip. Along with the bar and dumbbell handles, you’ll receive eight cast iron weight plates, including four 5-inch, 3 lbs ones, and four 6.4-inch, 7.5lbs ones.
The plates can easily be slid on and off the sleeves and secured in place with the star-lock collars.
Cast iron plates can last a long time but they require more maintenance than rubber and plastic ones, for example, as the metal is exposed to outside conditions and elements.
The metal plates are also harder on the surface since they don’t have a protective coating and can damage the floor if dropped, so handling them with care is important.
Positives:
Two-in-one barbell and dumbbell set
Bar can be assembled and disassembled quickly for compact storage and carrying
Diamond knurling on bar and dumbbells
Could be better:
Cast iron plates require more maintenance than plastic or rubber ones as the metal is exposed to corrosion and oxidation (rust)
7. Nice C Dumbbell Set, Weights Adjustable Barbell Pair - Best for Beginners
Similar to the Yes4All, the Nice C compact barbell set features two main dumbbells which can be connected by the center bar. The main material it’s made of is cast iron, and it’s covered with waterproof protective plastic that makes maintenance easier and extends the metal’s life cycle.
It also comes in a unique yellow color, making this bar stand out compared to regular black and gray ones.
- Material: Cast iron, plastic
- Weight: 0.5 pounds for the center bar, 0.6 for each dumbbell handle
- Plate Weight: 20 lbs (4 x 2.2 lbs, 4 x 2.8 lbs)
- Total Weight: 11.2
- Bar Length: 47 inches
- Bar Diameter: 1 inch
- Sleeve Diameter: 1 inch
- Plate Diameter: 5 & 6.4 inches
- Weight Limit: 22 pounds for the total barbell, 11 pounds for each dumbbell
- Color: Yellow
- Items Included: Two dumbbell handles, one connective bar, eight weight plates, four bolt lockers
The bar is primarily designed for comfortable use and lightweight exercises, making this the perfect beginner barbell set.
The dumbbell handles have a textured surface for better grip, and the inner connective bar is covered in foam for extra comfort during heavier exercises.
That said, the maximum capacity of both the dumbbells and combined bar is quite low, so it’s fair to say the average adult athlete will outgrow it rather quickly.
However, someone like an elderly person or child athlete may find the Nice C bar perfect.
Positives:
Three settings - dumbbell, light barbell, and heavy barbell
Standout yellow color
Textured dumbbell handles
Comfortable foam grip on the center bar
Could be better:
Very low maximum capacity, best for beginners, child athletes, and seniors looking for light exercising
Finally, we have the Step 4-weight set with bar.
The package contains a standard 54-inch long, 1-inch diameter barbell and four pairs of weight plates, for eight in total.
The plates are labeled as XS (2.75lb), S (5.5lb), M (8.25lb), and L (11lb), making them easy to measure for you.
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Bar Weight: 61 lbs
- Plate Weight: 55 lbs (2x 2.75 lbs, 2x 5.5 lbs, 2x 8.25 lbs, 2x 11 lbs)
- Total Weight: 116 lbs
- Bar Length: 54 inches
- Bar Diameter: 1 inch
- Sleeve Diameter: 1 inch
- Plate Diameter: XS: 8 inches, S: 9.5 inches, M: 11 inches, L: 12.40 inches
- Weight Limit for each item: 120 pounds
- Color: Black
- Items Included: One barbell, eight weight plates, two lockers
The alloy steel bar is powder coated, which protects it from corrosion and rust, and gives it a smooth matte black finish that also looks nice.
The weight plates have a steering wheel design, meaning they have open holes that allow you to easily grip and carry them.
This not only lets you quickly and safely exchange them from the bar, but you can also use them to add weight to your other exercises too - such as halos, overhead squats, ab crunches, and more. The Nylon quick-release collars feature a snap mechanism that allows you to quickly and easily take them off and adjust weight.
The bar itself is made from three connective pieces that need to be screwed on together, although this shouldn’t take more than a few minutes out of the box to do.
Positives:
The quick-release collars have a unique locking mechanism
The steering wheel plate design is easy to handle and can be safely used for other exercises
Each purchase comes with a 30-day free trial for the MOSSA on-demand workouts app
Could be better:
The screw-on assembly system can weaken over time with use, especially if you push its maximum capacity
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What Are The Benefits Of Barbell Sets?
Buying Sets Is Cost Effective
Buying value sets will always be less expensive than buying each product individually. If you were to buy each barbell and weight separately, the cost would quickly stack up. Sets typically come with a large discount that makes them attractive to buyers and they often have some bonus content in the package. This can be a significant saving, especially for those on a budget or just starting to build a home or garage gym.
Products In Sets Are Guaranteed To Fit
One common fear of people buying fitness equipment for home use is getting things that don’t fit with each other.
When purchasing barbells and weight plates separately, there’s always a risk of deviation in the products.
As you might have noticed from the product specifications, most manufacturers stick to standardized dimensions, so that their products can easily slot in with other fitness equipment.
However, that’s not always the case.
If for example the barbell sleeve diameter is misaligned with the weight plate insert hole, it can be difficult or even impossible to fit them together.
This can especially be a problem if you’re on a budget because - in the best case - you’ll have to waste your time through customer service to return the product if possible.
Sets offer you a guarantee that what you’re buying is intended to fit, so you will never have an issue with incompatible barbells and weights.
Steady Progress
Barbell sets typically come with multiple weights, which allow you to quickly adjust exercise difficulty.
In the beginning, you can exercise using lighter weights or just using the bar itself.
As you get more comfortable with the exercise and your strength level increases, upping the difficulty is as easy as just adding more weight from the set.
Essentially, it’s hard to “outgrow” a barbell set the same way you would a dumbbell, for example, as the weight can always be adjusted to fit your needs.
Studies have shown that even a slight weight increase over time can have a high impact on muscle growth, particularly in the male population.
When Do You Need Barbell Sets?
Barbells are excellent for everyone looking to gain strength and improve their physical health.
They’re essential for many of the popular compound exercises that work out multiple muscle groups simultaneously.
Fitness beginners use barbells to learn essential exercises, while more advanced athletes often use them for high-level strength training.
Competitive lifters use them pretty much every day to practice lifts such as the Snatch and Clean & Jerk, which are found everywhere from amateur competitions to the Olympic Games.
Gyms, CrossFit centers, and sports facilities have plenty of different barbells and plates around since they are quite popular.
Home gym owners typically purchase a home barbell set early on because it can be used as a substitute for various gym equipment.
Almost everyone who works regularly uses barbells on a weekly basis in one form or another.
What to Look for in Barbell Sets?
Construction
Construction primarily refers to the design, materials, and manufacturing process used to create the barbell.
Barbell construction will make the biggest difference in your experience when using it.
Better-constructed barbells have important safety and comfort features, such as rotating sleeves, bar knurling, higher weight capacity and tensile strength, etc.
Higher-end bars typically have standardized dimensions because manufacturers want athletes to feel familiar when using them.
In general, higher-priced barbells will have better construction compared to budget ones.
However, that doesn’t mean a less expensive barbell and plates are not worth using, especially if your exercises aren’t highly demanding.
Durability
Barbell durability refers to the ability of a barbell to withstand the wear and tear of regular use over time without getting damaged. A durable barbell should be able to handle heavy weights, repetitive use, and occasional dropping without bending or breaking. The material used in the construction of the barbell can greatly affect its durability.
High-quality barbells are typically made from alloy steel, which is strong and resistant to bending or breaking.
The right coating can significantly increase the barbell's durability as well, as it protects the metal underneath from rust and corrosion.
Chrome, zinc, or black oxide, are common choices for quality barbell coating.
Finally, cleaning your barbell and storing it properly will also affect its lifecycle.
Price/Quality
Price VS quality is always a highly debated topic when it comes to fitness equipment.
It goes without saying that the higher priced a product is, the more its technical quality goes up.
However, experienced athletes know that spending lots of money on premium equipment can be quite a waste of money for the average person.
Beginners can often fall into the trap of buying equipment which has specifications that are way outside their fitness needs, and barbells are a good example of how this is true.
For example, the average athlete won’t push an Olympic barbell to its absolute limits, so spending more to get higher material quality, tensile strength, and maximum capacity is pointless.
When judging quality for the price, we evaluate not only things like material, but also how well it will serve its intended user.
For this reason, plenty of affordable options get a high price/quality rating, even if they’re technically lower quality than premium products.
Cost-effectiveness is an important aspect of these top lists and the highest-placed products generally have the best quality for price relationship.
FAQ
What Size Barbell Is Best?
Should I Buy An Olympic Or Standard Barbell?
Conclusion
- WEIGHTLIFTING EQUIPMENT // International Weightlifting Federation: https://iwf.sport/weightlifting_/equipment/
- Progression of volume load and muscular adaptation during resistance exercise // NIH NLM: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4215195/
- Barbell Tensile Strength Explained // GymCrafter: https://gymcrafter.com/barbell-tensile-strength-explained
- Weightlifting in Olympics: Everything you need to know // Olympics: https://olympics.com/en/news/weightlifting-olympics-rules-history-snatch-clean-and-jerk
- Barbell // Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbell
My name is Ihor and I have been a professional weightlifter since 1996. With over 20 years of competition experience, my resume includes European Champion in 2009 and the silver medalist at 2011's Senior World Championships – 105kg division.
I competed at the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics.
After hanging up my own competitive lifting shoes, I decided to share my huge background as a coach. I am currently coaching multiple athletes who are competing at national and international competitions.