7 Best Multi Grip Barbells (Swiss Bars) in 2024

Multi-grip barbells, also called football or Swiss bars, are quite popular among lifters. They provide more workout variety than regular barbells and are especially great for people with shoulder or upper back problems. It can be tricky to find the right multi grip bar, though, with the plethora of products on the market. So, what’s the best multi grip barbell? Why should you even bother using one? We’ll discuss this and more in this article.

Top 7 Best Multi Grip Barbells Reviewed

1. Yes4All Multi Grip Barbell — Top Pick
2. Synergee Multi Grip Barbell — Runner Up
3. Rogue MG-3 — Premium Pick
4. Valor Fitness OB-MULTI Swiss Bar
5. Titan Fitness Olympic Barbell
6. Marcy Threaded Solid Chrome Triceps Bar
7. Titan Fitness 34″ Barbell

Product	Total	Steel Quality	Knurling	Versatility	Value for Money
Yes4All Multi Grip Barbell	40	10	10	10	10
Synergee Multi Grip Barbell	38	10	9	9	10
Rogue MG-3	39	10	10	10	9
Valor Fitness Swiss Bar	37	9	10	9	9
Titan Fitness Olympic Barbell	36	9	8	10	9
Marcy Threaded Chrome Bar	35	9	9	8	9
Titan Fitness 34″ Barbell	34	9	8	8	8

1. Yes4All Multi Grip Barbell — Top Pick

• Material: Heavy-duty steel
• Weight: 22 pounds
• Length: 82 inches
• Diameter: 2 inches
• Shaft length: 40 inches
• Weight limit: 400 pounds
• Loadable sleeve length: 14 inches
• Distance between sleeves: 54 inches
• Finish type: Black powder coating

The Yes4All Multi Grip Barbell is my top recommendation. It’s made of solid steel and finished with black powder coat. It can hold up to 400 pounds of weight and also comes with screw collars for your plates to ensure they don’t come flying out as you work. All this good stuff and you don’t have to break the bank to get one.

Steel quality 

It’s made of top quality steel for maximum durability and efficiency. A finish of black powder coat keeps the steel safe from rust and prevents your hands from slipping. It’s built to take punishment and stand the test of time. 

Knurling 

All 3 pairs of grips are knurled to give your hands extra stability when you hold them. The grips are also powder coated to keep sweat from slipping in your hands. You don’t have to worry about anything other than your lifting.

Versatility 

The Yes4All Multi Grip Barbell comes with 3 pairs of grips. It comes with 2 neutral grips and 1 angled grip to give you as much variety as you need. You can do different workouts and movements like bench press, hammer curls, or even isolation moves to target specific muscles. With a single barbell, you can do any lifting workout of your choice.

Value for Money 

The Yes4All Multi Grip Barbell isn’t cheap, but it’s worth it when you consider all its features and benefits. It’s solid and durable, very comfortable to use and allows you to do a wide variety of workouts. All these qualities make the price an absolute bargain, and guarantee you value for your money.

2. Synergee Multi Grip Barbell — Runner Up

• Material: Solid steel
• Weight: 27 pounds
• Length: 82 inches
• Diameter: 2 inches
• Shaft length: 41.8 inches
• Weight limit: 450 pounds
• Loadable sleeve length: 13.8 inches
• Distance between sleeves: 54.4 inches
• Finish type: Black matte powder coat

The Synergee Multi Grip Barbell is my second favorite recommendation. It’s made of steel to ensure strength and coated with a black matte finish to prevent any slipping as you lift. Moreover,it comes with 4 pairs of bars to give you as much space as you need no matter what kind of movements you make. It’s solid, effective, and might just be what you need.

Steel quality 

This swiss barbell, like the Yes4All, is made from heavy-duty steel and powder coated.It's top quality and will last you for a very long time. There's no need to worry about bending, breaking, rust, or any other damage.

Knurling 

Unlike the Yes4All Multi Grip Barbell, the Synergee Multi Grip Barbell doesn't have knurled grips. However, the powder coating is enough to keep your grip secure and prevent your hands from slipping because of sweat. It might not be as secure as Yes4All, but it's certainly enough to keep you comfortable. Knurling is good for a secure grip , but it can be hard on your palms. Synergee goes easy on your palms and furnishes you with a non-slip surface for easy grip.

Versatility 

The Synergee Multi Grip Barbell comes with 4 angled grips to reduce the stress on your shoulders in case of any previous pain. The different grip widths also allow you to change your movements as much as you want. It's light on your shoulders and fluid enough for different exercises.

Value for Money 

Interestingly, the Synergee Multi Grip Barbell is the same price as the Yes4All barbell. Like the Yes4All barbell, it also provides excellent value for money. It's durable, versatile, and easy to use. It then crowns all this by not being too expensive.

3. Rogue MG-3 — Premium Pick

• Material: USA and Canada Steel
• Weight: 43 pounds
• Length: 82 inches
• Diameter: 1.25 inches (handle), 1,91 inches (sleeve)
• Shaft length: 49 inches
• Loadable sleeve length: 14 inches
• Distance between sleeves: 52.75
• Finish type: Black powder coat

If you have money to spend, the Rogue MG-3 is the premium multi grip swiss bar option. It's built to take as much punishment as you can pile on, with a heavy-duty steel and a black powder coat finish. It's compatible with Olympic plates and works well with any power rack.

Steel quality 

The Rogue MG-3 is built with heavy duty steel and able to take any weight you throw at it without flinching. It's powder coat finish protects it from rust and keeps your hands from slipping. Obviously, metal to metal contact will eventually cause some wear, but you'll be using this barbell for a long time.

Knurling 

The Rogue MG-3 is fitted with knurled handles to keep your hands in place when you work out. You can also switch between multiple grips for different purposes. You get an angled handle, a neutral close-grip handle, and a neutral wide -handle. All of these handles offer you versatility, but without the knurling you might struggle with keeping a firm grip. Rogue helps to avoid that.

Versatility 

The first pair of bars on the Rogue MG-3 is angled, with the remaining 2 bars vertical and neutral. This variation allows you to use your bar for different exercises. The knurled grips also mean you can switch between different types of grips to target different parts of your body. For example, you can switch from working your triceps with a closed grip to training your pectorals with a wider grip.

Value for Money 

The Rogue MG-3 is the premium pick on this list, so it's definitely expensive. If you can afford it, though, it's an amazing value for money. You can use it for different exercises comfortably, and you don't have to worry about replacing it anytime soon.

4. Valor Fitness OB-MULTI Swiss Bar

• Material: Steel
• Weight: 26 pounds
• Length: 73 inches
• Diameter: 2 inches
• Shaft length: 39.5 inches
• Weight limit: 300 pounds
• Loadable sleeve length: 10 inches
• Distance between sleeves: 43 inches
• Finish type: Powder coat, chrome

The Valor Fitness OB-MULTI Swiss Bar is a multi grip bench press bar that alternates between neutral and angled grips to reduce the strain that your shoulder would otherwise be under with a regular bench press. It's 73 inches long,weighs 26 pounds, and is designed to make your workouts more effective than ever.

Steel quality 

The Valor Fitness Swiss Bar is built with 12-gauge steel and comes with chrome sleeves that can hold heavy Olympic and bumper plates. It is also powder coated to prevent rust or chipping. This bar is built to serve for a long time.

Knurling 

The Valor Fitness Swiss Bar features a powder coat finish to prevent any slipping, and finishes up with knurled grips to keep your hands firm as you work out.

Versatility 

With its alternating handles, the Valor Fitness Swiss Bar allows you to diversify your exercises. You can spice up your bench press, skull crushers and other movements. It's not intended for deadlifts and cleans, but you still get a good variety.

Value for Money 

The Valor Fitness Swiss Bar is more expensive than the first two, but still offers good value for money. It's durable, easy to use, and incredibly effective.

5. Multi-Grip Camber Bar

• Material: Steel
• Weight: 39 pounds
• Length: 82 inches
• Diameter: 2 inches
• Shaft length: 39.25 inches
• Weight limit: 1,000 pounds
• Loadable sleeve length: 13.75 inches
• Distance between sleeves: 54.5 inches
• Finish type: Powder coat

Titan Fitness introduces an Olympic multi grip bar built for very heavy weights . It can support an astonishing 1,000 pounds of weight without flinching. It comes with 3 pairs of grips and a 2 inch camber for even better versatility.

Steel quality 

This multi grip bar is designed to take up to 1,000 pounds, so you can tell it is a good quality product. It also features a powder coat to prevent any corrosion or chipping.

Knurling 

This barbell isn't completely knurled, but it doesn't have full grip knurling either. There's only a slight knurling to tell you where the center is for proper orientation.

Versatility 

This barbell doesn't only come with 3 different bars for extra versatility, it also features a 2 inch camber. This provides even more versatility and range of movement.

Value for Money 

The Titan Fitness barbell is more expensive than our top pick, but you still get incredible value for your money. You can use it comfortably for a long, long time.

6. Marcy Threaded Solid Chrome Triceps Bar 

• Material: Steel
• Weight: 15. 5 pounds
• Length: 33.5 inches
• Diameter: 1 inch
• Shaft length: 22 inches
• Weight limit: 300
• Loadable sleeve length: 5.5 inches
• Distance between sleeves: 22.5 inches
• Finish type: Chrome

The Marcy Chrome Triceps Bar is a neutral grip barbell that doesn't give you as many options as some others on this list, but doesn't cost nearly as much either. It's made from solid steel with a fine chrome finish.

Steel quality 

The Marcy Chrome bar is a strong and dependable piece of equipment for you. It may not look as heavy and durable as some other options, but it's good enough to guarantee you comfortable use for a long time.

Knurling 

It comes with a single set of knurled grips to give you a strong grip when you workout. You can focus on getting shredded without worrying about your hands slipping. The knurling is not aggressive enough to blister your hands, but it is rough enough for you to hold on tight. Add the non-slip chrome finish and you get a strong, sturdy grip.

Versatility 

With only 1 pair of grips, the Marcy Chrome bar doesn't offer you as many options as some others on this list. However, you still get a neutral grip that puts less strain on your shoulder and allows you to do more movements than a regular barbell.

Value for Money 

The Marcy Chrome bar is limited when you compare it to the other Swiss bars on this list, but it's much cheaper too. If you can't afford expensive bars , this one is good enough to serve you well.

7. Titan Fitness 34" Barbell 

• Material: Alloy steel
• Weight: 23 pounds
• Length: 34 inches
• Diameter: 2 inches (sleeve), 1 inch (grip)
• Shaft length: 12.75 inches
• Weight limit: 200 pounds
• Loadable sleeve length: 6.5 inches
• Distance between sleeves: 52 inches
• Finish type: Chrome

Our final entry is the second bar on this list from Titan Fitness. This one is much smaller, with a sleeve length of only 6.5 inches and can handle only 200 pounds.

Steel quality 

At a maximum weight of 200 pounds, it doesn't offer as much strength and durability as the larger bars, but you can count on it for a long time if you stick to the stated parameters. It's made of a good quality alloy steel with a chrome finish to prevent slipping and rust. It's also heavier than the Marcy Chrome bar.

Knurling 

It comes with 1 pair of knurled grips, just like the Marcy Chrome bar. The knurling and anti-slip chrome finish ensure your hands stay firm and sturdy throughout your workout. This is important because a bad grip will mess up exercises you do and frustrates you. Solid grips provide safety and allow you to train well. 

Versatility 

It doesn't offer you much in terms of versatility with only 1 pair of grips. However, you still get a wider range of movement with it than with a regular barbell. The neutral grip reduces stress on your shoulders and allows for a wider range of motion.

Value for Money 

Like the Marcy Chrome bar, this football bar doesn't offer you as much as the previous ones, but it doesn't cost as much either. This bar is worth it if you can afford it. 

Benefits of Multi Grip Barbells 

You now have some idea what the best football barbell for you is, but you might still be wondering why you need a multi grip barbell. Here are some multi grip barbell benefits to help push you over the fence…

✅ Awesome for Your Shoulders 

Multi grip barbells are great for your shoulders. By giving you a variety of grip widths, both angled or neutral, you can pick which width and angle is best for you. A traditional barbell puts much more pressure on your shoulders than an angled or a neutral grip barbell. You might be nursing an injury in your shoulder or just in pain. Multi grip barbells allow you to work out without putting too much pressure on your shoulders and upper back.

✅ Allows for More Variety

By giving you different grip width and angle options, multi grip barbells allow a wider range of movement. You can use it as a multi grip bench press bar or for something completely different like rows. You can diversify your movements and incorporate new exercises to your routines thanks to the extra freedom that a multi grip barbell offers you.

✅ Extra Tricep Development 

Multi grip barbells work your triceps more than regular barbells because of the neutral grip. This extra tricep strength helps you develop good lockout strength on bench press to make your workout even more effective. Extra tricep strength also makes for stronger arms and a better workout experience.

What to Look for in Multi Grip Barbells?

1. Steel quality

The first thing to look for in a multi grip barbell is the steel quality. The durability of your barbell will depend on the quality of the steel. Its crush resistance and tensile strength are all examples of metrics you can use to determine how strong it is. You don't want a barbell that wears out easily.

What you need is a durable steel barbell with a proper finish material that won't wear off easily or start to chip off after a short time. Be sure to check what finishing material is used. Powder coats and chrome are my favorites.

2. Knurling 

Once you're sure of the steel quality, focus on the grip next. A good barbell will frustrate you if you can't hold onto it firmly as you work out. Knurled bars provide you with a much firmer grip to give you a smooth experience. Make sure the knurling isn't too aggressive because that might cause blisters if you like to go in hard.

If your palms are too fragile for knurling altogether, there's no reason to despair. Barbells like the Synergee Multi Grip Barbell offer you handles without any knurling at all, but a non-slip finish to keep your hands in place. It's also advised to use chalk if you're unsure of how strong your grip will be.

3. Versatility

One of the main benefits of multi grip bars is the extra range of motion they give you. The more handles your swiss bar has, the more versatile it is. Most bars come with 3 pairs of handles with both neutral and angled grips. Some have only 1 pair, while others have up to 4 pairs. It's important that you will find a bar with more handles to give you more versatility.

4. Value for Money 

Of course, you have to consider your budget. There are premium bars and budget bars that will serve you well. Of course, you get what you pay for, but you want to make sure you get as much value as possible for your money.

Some of the premium options are just not worth it, and some budget picks are so low in quality that you won't even enjoy using them. It's essential that you strike a balance so that your pocket doesn't suffer too much, but your training runs smoothly and effectively.

5. Warranty 

When a brand is confident about the quality of their product, they demonstrate it by giving a juicy warranty offer. Some barbells on this list have up to 3 year warranty, while others have only 1 year. When you see a good warranty offer on a football bar, you can rest easy because you know you can get the bar on some sort of probation.

6. Brand 

Popular brands are more expensive for a reason: they offer you security and assurance. When shopping for a barbell, brands like Rogue Fitness and Valor Fitness will stand out because they've built reputations for themselves. Unknown brands are just unknown. You don't know what you'll get. Summing up, lesser known brands can win you over with lower prices. Personally, if I must go with a lesser known brand, I look for brands who don't offer ridiculously cheap prices but back up their claims with a warranty.

FAQs

Is a Multi Grip Bar Worth It? 

Yes! Multi grip bars are mostly cheaper than traditional barbells, but they offer you a wider range of exercises and put less strain on your shoulders too.

How Heavy are Multi Grip Bars?

There's no single weight for them. The lightest on this list is the Marcy Chrome bar at 15.5 pounds, while the heaviest is the Rogue MG-3 at 43 pounds. On average, most bars weigh about 20-30 pounds.

What's the Point of a Multi Grip Bar?

Multi grip bars give you neutral grip options to reduce the stress on your shoulder and allow a wider range of movements.

Conclusion

Swiss bars are very effective for strength training. Whether it's a variety of exercises or the comfortable shoulder grips, they make life easier for many lifters. The best Swiss bar comes down to your personal goals and preferences. My top recommendation is the Yes4All Multi Grip Barbell, but all the other listed options are also great.

Now I'd like to hear from you. Have you had any shoulder trouble before? Do multi grip barbells sound like the solution? Do you still have more questions? Talk to me in the comments!

Also Read:

• Best Rogue Barbell
• Best Deadlift Bar
• Best Ez Curl Bar
• Best Safety Squat Bar
• How Much Does A Barbell Weigh
• Best Bench Press Barbell
• Best Bumper Plate Storage
• Olympic Barbell Dimensions
• Best Weight Bench

References:

1. Is a multi grip barbell worth it? // Wellbeingport: https://wellbeingport.com/is-a-multi-grip-barbell-worth-it/
2. Barbell Knurl. What It Is And How To Pick The Best One For You // Gymcrafter: https://gymcrafter.com/barbell-knurl/