9 Best Olympic Barbells In 2024

In this article, I have prepared a full guide on how to invest your money into the best Olympic barbell. If you have some experience in weightlifting, you definitely know that a good bar can make a huge difference. The feeling of high-quality steel in your hands along with smooth rotation and a delicate spin can boost your results right away.

I’ve picked the most popular options among athletes, analyzed their features, advantages, and disadvantages, described how each of them works and summed everything up for you. Read about the best Olympic bars on the market and choose your fav!

Our team of experts, consisting of an Olympic weightlifter, professional athletes, powerlifters, PhDs in Sports Science, Personal Coaches, Performance Architects, and more, has tried and tested 28 different Olympic barbells currently available on the market. After investing more than 300 hours into the project, our team was able to test and rank each of the 28 Olympic barbells based on multiple criteria (including steel quality, tensile strength, knurling, spin, crushing resistance, versatility, and price/quality). The list below is the result! Our list of the 8 best Olympic barbells will be kept up-to-date.

Top 9 Best Olympic Barbells Reviewed

1. Eleiko Performance Weightlifting Bar – Top Pick
2. Rogue Olympic Weightlifting Bar – Runner-Up
3. Titan Fitness Economy Olympic Barbell – Budget Pick
4. Rogue Pyrros Bar – Premium Pick
5. Gladiator Olympic Barbell – Best Stainless Steel
6. Rogue Ohio Power Bar – Best Deadlift Bar
7. REP Fitness Technique Bar – Best Short Bar
8. Titan Fitness Series Deadlift Bar
9. Valor Fitness Olympic Deadlift Barbell

Today, I will examine 9 Olympic weightlifting barbells and share my tips on how to choose the best one for your training. I will compare the main features: steel quality, tensile strength, knurling, spin, crushing resistance, versatility, and price-quality ratio. Read on and find out the winner, according to my experience and Olympic barbell reviews from other athletes.

Product	Total	Steel Quality	Tensile Strength	Knurling	Spin	Crushing Resistance	Versatility	Price/Quality
Eleiko	69.5	10	10	10	10	10	10	9.5
Rogue (Oly WL Bar)	69	10	10	10	10	10	9.5	9.5
Titan Fitness (Oly WL Bar)	69	10	10	10	10	9.5	10	10
Rogue (Pyrros Bar)	68.5	10	10	9.5	10	10	9.5	9.5
REP Fitness (Oly Bar)	68.5	10	10	9.5	10	9.5	9.5	10
Rogue (Ohio Bar)	68	10	10	9,5	9,5	10	9	10
REP Fitness (Technique Bar)	66.5	10	9	10	9,5	9,5	9	9.5
Titan Fitness (DL Bar)	66.5	9,5	10	10	9	9,5	9	9,5
Valor Fitness	65	9.5	9	9.5	9,5	9	9	9,5

1. Eleiko Performance Weightlifting Bar – Top Pick

• Material: 215K PSI Swedish steel
• Weight: 20 kg / 44.09 lbs
• Length: 2.2 m / 86.61”
• Diameter: 28 mm
• Shaft length: 1.31 m / 51.75”
• Knurling: mild
• Knurl marks: weightlifting
• Spin: needle bearings
• Weight limit: 3306.93 lbs
• Sleeve length: 41.5 cm / 16.34”
• Finish type: chrome

For those who are into weightlifting, there is no need to explain that Eleiko is the best Olympic barbell on the market. Few people have it at home, but those who do are the lucky ones. It is the golden standard in the weightlifting world and has no competition in its quality.

I’ll start with the only disadvantage of this piece of steel – its price. Obviously, not everyone can afford such a purchase, but those who can will prove its quality at once.

As for the technical features, the length, diameter, and weight are just standard. It is the best combination for Olympic exercises. It works well for functional fitness and any other activities as well. All in all, if you value versatility and comfort, go for it!

As for pleasant bonuses, for such a high price, you also get a cleaning brush to remove any remains of chalk or dust and keep the barbell in the best condition. It is also magnetic, so you can attach it to the racks and always have it at hand without searching through every corner.

The knurling is mild, as it is indicated by the manufacturer. Actually, don’t be afraid that it is too gentle. For me, it is the most universal one as you get a firm grip but don’t tear your palms as it sometimes happens with other barbells. The knurl marks are single and meet the weightlifting standard.

The chrome finish looks sparkling and fancy. Moreover, if you make good use of the brush, it will remain in the same impressive condition for long years. By the way, the manufacturer provides a 12-year warranty. But I doubt that you will need it anyway!

As for the spin, every athlete who has tried an Eleiko bar knows it well. Smooth and fast – all you need for effective technique and heavy weights!

I can go on and on, but Eleiko needs no words – it needs trying out!

 2. Rogue Olympic Weightlifting Bar – Runner-Up

• Material: 215K PSI steel
• Weight: 20 kg / 44.09 lbs
• Length: 2.2 m / 86.6”
• Diameter: 28 mm
• Shaft length: 1.31 m / 51.75”
• Knurling: mild
• Knurl marks: weightlifting
• Spin: needle bearings
• Weight limit: ~ 1000 lbs
• Sleeve length: 41.2 cm / 16.25”
• Finish type: bright zinc

Rogue weightlifting barbell is a bit cheaper alternative to Eleiko, but is still at the higher end of the price range. Nevertheless, it offers first-class quality and may be a great option for dynamic training.

The size of this bar is identical to our winner – everything is according to the standard. Also, it is IWF approved, so you can often see it even at international competitions. And it proves top quality as well!

The spin and whip are very similar to Eleiko. They also give you a very pleasant feel when you put your hands on the steel, move with the bar, and fix it above the head.

As for some technical advantages, the tensile strength of the steel is 215K PSI. I know that it may not say a lot to people who don’t choose barbells every day, but it means very strong and durable steel. Such a bar is highly resistant to holding and dropping heavy weights.

As for peculiarities, the knurling of the Rogue Olympic lifting bar is rather sophisticated, compared with most other options. It has mild side knurling for the best grip, but it is more gentle in the center. Thus, it saves your neck and collarbones from scratches and irritation after the clean. If you are a newbie or just don’t like such “side effects” from brutal lifting, the Rogue bar might be quite a relief.

As for the drawbacks, the price tag is still high, compared to most barbells on the market. Also, the bar has a zinc finish. On the one hand, it gives a pleasant feel. On the other hand, it needs more frequent cleaning than other types of coating. It is less resistant to corrosion in humid conditions if you don’t take care of it regularly. But when you pay such a sum, I guess you are serious enough about equipment maintenance!

All in all, the Rogue bar is a good option for those who crave for Eleiko, its quality, and feel but want to save a few hundred.

3. Titan Fitness Economy Olympic Barbell – Budget Pick

• Material: cold-rolled steel
• Weight: 20 kg / 44.09 lbs
• Length: 2.2 m / 86.75”
• Diameter: 30 mm
• Shaft length: 1.31 m / 51.75”
• Knurling: medium
• Knurl marks: dual
• Spin: bronze bushings
• Weight limit: 700 lbs
• Sleeve length: 41.2 cm / 16.25”
• Finish type: chrome

Titan Fitness is famous for its affordable weightlifting equipment, and it has Olympic barbells as well. The price tag in this case may be a relief, but the quality is still decent, especially for novice and intermediate athletes.

This option may be a very good choice for a garage gym. It is a comparably budget product that offers quite a lot of versatility for home workouts. It has dual knurl marks – powerlifting and weightlifting ones. It is very convenient in case you include elements of both sports into your training plan.

Another peculiarity of the Titan bar is its rotation. It has bushings instead of bearings, which means less rotation. If you are a newbie in Olympic weightlifting, you may not feel discomfort from it, but this bar is not the best option for fast dynamic moves. It gives a rather slow but smooth spin that works great for slower exercises that don’t need a lot of explosiveness.

As for the weight capacity, it is lower than our previous options offer, but still more than enough for home workouts in most cases. The overall quality is also very decent. The cold-rolled steel means it will be resistant and durable enough to serve you for years.

As for the knurling, it is a bit harsher than Eleiko and Rogue have. For weightlifting, you can feel some discomfort at heavy weights but for powerlifting, many athletes prefer exactly this type. It gives a firmer grip and a confident feel at the most challenging deadlift sets.

Nevertheless, the Titan Olympic weight bar is made according to all standards. It weighs almost 45 pounds, is 2.2 meters long and 28 millimeters thick, and is compatible with 2-inch plates.

All in all, the Titan option is a great choice for beginners and intermediate athletes who are not ready to use a lot of savings but still want a reliable weightlifting bar for versatile workouts.

4. Rogue Pyrros Bar – Premium Pick

• Material: 200K PSI steel
• Weight: 20 kg / 44.09 lbs
• Length: 2.2 m / 86.6”
• Diameter: 28 mm
• Shaft length: 1.31 m / 51.75”
• Knurling: medium
• Knurl marks: weightlifting
• Spin: needle bearings
• Weight limit: over 1000 lbs
• Sleeve length: 41.4 cm / 16.3”
• Finish type: chrome sleeves, stainless steel shaft

The Rogue Pyrros bar has a very interesting story and is also one of the most famous bars on the market. Obviously, the price for this elite equipment is as high as the quality.

As it is IWF approved, all features meet the Olympic standards. Moreover, the bar was developed in collaboration with the 3-time Olympic champion Pyrros Dimas. He chose the steel with the best whip and the most optimal knurling. Combine it with the top-quality lubricant that the manufacturer uses, and you get an elite product in the weightlifting world.

As we have already started with steel, I will continue this topic. You can choose to buy a completely stainless steel coating or pick the stainless shaft and chrome sleeves. Both options are great, but if you pay extra and get the first one, it will guarantee higher protection against rust and corrosion. The tensile strength is 200K PSI, which is also a great point. Additionally, you get a lifetime warranty along with your bar.

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 functional fitness 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!

5. Gladiator Olympic Barbell – Best Stainless Steel

• Material: 200K PSI steel / 205K PSI (stainless steel)
• Weight: 20 kg / 44.09 lbs, 15 kg / 33 lbs
• Length: 2.2 m / 86.6” (20 kg), 2 m / 79.1” (15 kg)
• Diameter: 28 mm (20 kg), 25 mm (15 kg)
• Shaft length: 1.31 m / 51.75” (20 kg), 1.2 m / 47.2” (15 kg)
• Knurling: medium
• Knurl marks: weightlifting
• Spin: needle bearings
• Weight limit: 1500 lbs
• Sleeve length: 41.4 cm / 16.3” (20 kg), 32 cm / 12.6” (15 kg)
• Finish type: chrome / stainless steel

A lot of athletes who want a high-quality bar for a reasonable price go for REP Fitness. This option meets all Olympic standards but, unfortunately, is not certified by the IWF. Still, it doesn’t change anything if you need it for your home or garage gym.

The brand offers weightlifting bars for male and female athletes. All the technical features are just standard in both cases. Therefore, it is a very good match if you want to train with equipment that is very similar to the bars used at competitions.

Moreover, the price is very pleasant, especially if you catch a sale. I often recommend it for athletes who train at home and need a more affordable option but very decent quality.

The steel has a high tensile strength, which means it can hold big weights successfully. Therefore, the limit is 1500 lbs – a very good level for such a price. Perhaps, you will not load it with such a huge weight, but it is always good to know that your bar is that strong.

Additionally, you can pay some extra and get a stainless steel option. It is a good choice for garage gyms if you don’t want to worry about rust and corrosion.

As for the feel, it is a bit different from the most iconic weightlifting bars. The knurling is medium – a bit deeper and, thus, harsher than, for example, the Eleiko option. Still, it is comfortable for the hook grip. Some athletes even prefer this type if they want a better contact with a bar.

6. Rogue Ohio Power Bar – Best Deadlift Bar

• Material: 205K PSI steel
• Weight: 20 kg / 44.09 lbs
• Length: 2.2 m / 86.52”
• Diameter: 29 mm
• Shaft length: 130.8 cm / 51.5”
• Knurling: aggressive
• Knurl marks: powerlifting
• Spin: bushing
• Weight limit: 1260 lbs
• Sleeve length: 41.2 cm / 16.25”
• Finish type: zinc

The Rogue Ohio bar is a great choice for powerlifting training. It differs in some technical features from our previous options and is more suitable for brutal heavy work than for dynamic Olympic weightlifting or functional fitness.

First, it is a bit thicker and has a different knurling pattern and depth to provide a firmer grip. You can notice that it gives a more aggressive feel at once. This type works best for deadlifts and squats. However, it may be too painful for the hook grip, thus, I don’t recommend this bar for snatches, cleans, and any dynamic high-rep exercises. As this bar is meant for powerlifting, it also has single knurl marks, according to the standards.

As for the main advantages, the steel quality is outstanding. Additionally, the brand provides a lifetime warranty to show that they are absolutely confident about the long life of their product.

The bar also differs in terms of the feel. It is more rigid than most weightlifting bars. Thus, it doesn’t give you a nice elastic whip needed for dynamic exercises, but is great for heavy deadlifts and squats.

As for the spin, the manufacturer uses bushings instead of bearings. As a result, it doesn’t have a fast rotation, but feels smooth enough for slow exercises.

All in all, if you are a fan of rigid barbells for powerlifting, the Rogue Ohio bar may be a very good investment. On top of that, the price for such a durable construction is more than reasonable.

7. REP Fitness Technique Bar – Best Short Bar

• Material: Aluminum
• Weight: 6.8 kg / 15 lbs
• Length: 1.83 m / 72”
• Diameter: 28 mm
• Shaft length: 1.31 m / 51.5”
• Knurling: mild
• Knurl marks: dual
• Spin: bushing
• Weight limit: 200 lbs
• Sleeve length: 22.9 cm / 9”
• Finish type: zinc sleeves, aluminum shaft

It is another bar of REP Fitness – a famous brand in the weightlifting world. In this case, we have a technique bar for light sessions and novice athletes. It is the cheapest option on our list, but it has some limitations and, unfortunately, is not a multipurpose bar.

Let’s start with some technical features. First, it is shorter and much lighter than standard Olympic bars. The reason is that it is meant only for light sessions. For example, beginners may find it useful to learn the basics of weightlifting. Also, you can use it for technique workouts or, I guess, for some female athletes if they lift below the weight limit (which is only 200 lbs).

The quality of steel is not suitable for heavy sessions as well. The bar is made of aluminum, which is a softer metal than other types used for equipment. Thus, the crushing resistance is not as high as most bars on the list have.

The bushings also mean that the REP technique bar has less rotation than needle-bearing options. It still has a nice smooth spin, but it is rather slow and not the most effective option for fast dynamic exercises.

As for the advantages, I like knurling. It is quite mild and gives a good feel. Also, the marks are dual for weightlifting and powerlifting, so you can use the bar for training the technique of various exercises effectively.

Also, if you need a short bar, this option is one of the best. It saves space in your home gym but has a rather long shaft to fit regular racks. On the other hand, the sleeves are short, so you can’t put several thick plates on them. After all, this bar is not meant for this purpose.

Taking into account all these peculiarities, the Rep technique bar gets only 9 points for versatility. It can be a good option in some cases, but I wouldn’t recommend buying it if you are an experienced athlete who needs a multipurpose bar.

8. Titan Fitness Series Deadlift Bar

• Material: 200K PSI steel
• Weight: 20 kg / 44.09 lbs
• Length: 2.3 m / 90.5”
• Diameter: 28.5 mm
• Shaft length: 1.41 m / 55.5”
• Knurling: aggressive
• Knurl marks: powerlifting
• Spin: bushings
• Weight limit: 2000 lbs
• Sleeve length: 41.2 cm / 16.25”
• Finish type: chrome sleeves, zinc shaft

The Titan deadlift bar is another great option for powerlifting. The price is just about the average, but the overall quality is still decent.

Let’s start with the steel. It has quite an outstanding tensile strength for its price. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about breaking your bar after an emotional deadlift record!

As for other peculiarities, the manufacturer uses chrome coating for the sleeves and zinc for the shaft. It is less protective than stainless steel, but this combination still ensures good resistance against rust and corrosion while keeping the price tag reasonable.

Now let’s talk a bit about this bar during training. The knurling is stated to be aggressive, but I would call it just a middle ground. It is quite deep but doesn’t scratch your palms too much. Yet, it provides a good grip and feel.

Additionally, the Titan deadlift bar doesn’t have center knurling. For some athletes, it may be a downside because it is less stable on the shoulders while working with extreme weights in squats. On the other hand, it doesn’t irritate your skin at all and can even be used for front squats comfortably.

You can also see that this Titan bar is a few inches longer than most previous options. It is made for improved flex. You can feel it at heavier weights – the steel starts whipping and is very pleasant to work with. If you know what I’m talking about, you will recognize this feeling!

All in all, I would call it a universal bar for novice and intermediate athletes who seek comfort and effectiveness for a moderate price.

9. Valor Fitness Olympic Deadlift Barbell

• Material: 165K PSI steel
• Weight: 20 kg / 44.09 lbs
• Length: 2.3 m / 90.5”
• Diameter: 27 mm
• Shaft length: 1.42 m / 56”
• Knurling: aggressive
• Knurl marks: powerlifting
• Spin: bushings
• Weight limit: 1200 lbs
• Sleeve length: 36 cm / 14.5”
• Finish type: zinc

We finish with the Valor Fitness deadlift barbell. It is a very specific type designed only for the heaviest deadlifts.

The technical features are all meant to provide the highest comfort and effectiveness for your records in the deadlift. First, the bar has a longer construction due to a bigger shaft. In practice, it gives more flex at the beginning so that you can lift off a bit higher.

The bar is also thinner – only 27 mm in diameter. It contributes to a nice whip as well and allows you to grab the steel more effectively. As for the knurling, it is on the more aggressive end. On the one hand, it literally sticks to your palms. On the other hand, it can cause a lot of pain if your skin is not hardened enough. Also, you better take good care of your hands, as a lot of heavy lifting with such knurling may cause calluses and tears.

You may have already noticed that the tensile strength of this barbell is the lowest on the list. As a result, it is less resistant to dropping and crushing. Nevertheless, the weight limit is quite high – 1200 lbs. All in all, you should be really careful while using the bar – of course, it can hold huge weights, but harsh behavior might shorten its life.

As for the main disadvantages, this bar is only suitable for the deadlift. It can’t be put on the racks or dropped. The manufacturer doesn’t recommend using it for squats or bench presses as well. Therefore, this option will not work for you in case you are looking for versatility. And thus I put it in the last place on the list.

On the other hand, if you are a passionate fan of extreme deadlifts, the Valor barbell may be a nice investment. It might even increase your personal record very soon. On top of that, the price is definitely not the highest, and I really like the black look of it!

What Are Olympic Barbells?

Olympic barbells are one of the most popular and universal equipment in the weightlifting world. Most of them are designed for Olympic exercises and, thus, have some peculiarities to work best for fast and heavy exercises. Nevertheless, there are also options with features adapted for powerlifting, deadlifts, etc.

The main demands are connected with the size of a bar. In most cases, it weighs 20 kilograms, is 2.2 meters long with a 28-millimeter shaft, and 2-inch sleeves. This last dimension ensures that a bar is compatible with Olympic plates.

However, the shaft or sleeve length as well as the weight can vary a little bit. For example, you can find shorter versions that are useful for home gyms or for technique training. Also, there are deadlift or powerlifting-oriented options. They are usually longer and can have dual knurl marks or single ones, according to the IPF standards. But they all have the same sleeve diameter so that 2-inch plates can fit them.

Another key difference is the weight capacity. All Olympic bars for regular training must withstand huge weights, even if no one can lift such numbers in reality. Therefore, they have higher tensile strength and are more resistant to dropping, loading, and brutal workouts in general. Also, they have different kinds of finish to ensure they will not end up with rust or corrosion in a few years.

One more peculiarity of all Olympic bars is a spin and a whip. They must rotate to let you stick to the proper technique and lift comfortably. There are two types of techniques used to provide rotation – bearings and bushings. The first one is fast and dynamic and the latter one is slow and smooth. The whip means that the bar is quite flexible and starts bending a bit at heavier weights. It gives a bit of elastic power in practice, so lots of athletes adore this feeling.

Because of all these factors, Olympic bars usually have longer lives and stay in a good condition for years.

Why Buy an Olympic Barbell?

Buying an Olympic barbell has a lot of sense if you are into weightlifting. It is literally the best investment in your home or garage gym if you are serious about Olympic lifts or functional fitness. If you have held in your hands a high-quality Olympic bar before, there is no need to explain its benefits, but I’m going to say a few words about them anyway.

1. Adjustability

If you’re using a vertical or handled stepper, it must have height adjustability. Also, people have different stroke lengths. Go for adjustable footplates. So you don’t have to get in weird positions. 

Then, we have the option of variable resistance in some, as shown in the above stair stepper reviews.   

2. Versatility

An Olympic barbell is very universal equipment for any gym. It is the most versatile bar type for weight training. It allows you to perform dynamic Olympic or functional fitness moves, powerlifting exercises, and any other drills. It usually has a huge weight capacity, so you can crush any records with it. It is also highly resistant, so you can drop it after a heavy snatch with no worries.

In short, if you are not sure what exercises you will turn to in the future, pick a good Olympic barbell and enjoy its versatility!

3. Comfort

If you want to perform all exercises comfortably, an Olympic barbell may be a perfect match for you. It has versatile knurling, effortless rotation, and good elasticity — everything you need for comfortable training. It is especially effective for Olympic moves and functional fitness workout. You will definitely feel the difference while snatching with an Oly barbell.

4. Results

When you start lifting with a good barbell, you can often add a few kilograms on top of your usual weights right away. When it comes to snatches, cleans, jerks, and other dynamic moves, your technique especially feels the difference. And lifting properly means lifting a lot!

There are also some bars that are designed specifically for deadlifts or powerlifting in general. The brands try to implement all the best characteristics in terms of length, diameter, knurling, and steel peculiarities to ensure their bars give you the best possible benefits.

How to Pick an Olympic Barbell?

You can scroll up and read most of the details of the best Olympic barbell on the market. But I have also prepared a full guide on how to choose it on your own, in case you want a better understanding of every feature.

1. Rotation

This feature is very important for me as I’m an Olympic weightlifter. Nice rotation means the proper technique and effectiveness in performing your lifts.

For Olympic bars, manufacturers use bushings or bearings to provide rotation of the sleeves. Both give a smooth spin, but the latter is much faster. If you are a novice athlete or a powerlifter, you can go for the first one (by the way, it is often cheaper) as you will not probably need a lot of speed. In case you are a fan of Olympic moves or functional fitness, I recommend having a look at needle bearings.

2. Tensile Strength

Most Olympic barbells have the tensile strength of around 200-215K PSI. It means that they are more crushing resistant, can hold huge weight, and will not break from dropping. Honestly, you may not need to pay a lot of attention to these numbers if you choose a reliable brand. A bit of different parameters will not make any difference in most cases. But if you are a really picky extreme lifter, you can choose the bigger one just to be completely sure about the long life of your bar.

3. Length

The standard length of an Olympic barbell is 2.2 meters. It is the most universal option. However, we have some shorter and longer bars on our list as well. If you have a small garage gym and don’t lift extreme weights, you can choose a shorter option to save space. And if you are very passionate about deadlifts, you can try out longer bars. They can give a better feel and flex while pulling a huge barbell.

4. Shaft Diameter

The most popular shaft diameter is 28 mm. Still, you may have noticed that some barbells on the list are a bit thinner or thicker. Though it is not a significant difference, you can feel it while deadlifting. First, many athletes say that a thinner shaft provides better contact with a barbell. Second, it may be useful for athletes with smaller palms as well as females.

5. Knurling

If you are into Olympic weightlifting or functional fitness, I would recommend choosing mild or medium knurling. It is quite soft, and you will feel more comfortable and concentrated using the hook grip. On the other hand, lots of athletes prefer aggressive knurling for deadlifts, squats, and bench presses. It literally sticks to your hands. But be careful – it may be quite a painful experience if you are not used to it. 

6. Knurl Marks

You should always take into account your training routine. If you are all into Olympic exercises, choose single knurl marks that meet the IWF standards. If you are a powerlifter, go for the powerlifting marks. And if you prefer versatility, many brands offer dual marks as well!

7. Weight Limit

Most Olympic barbells have quite a huge weight limit. However, check it anyway and take into account your training routine. If you lift extreme weights regularly, you better choose the highest weight limit. It will not only ensure that you can load your bar more, but also make it more resistant to dropping weights and, thus, more durable.

Difference Between an Olympic Barbell and a Standard Barbell

Now I’m going to explain to you the key differences between an Olympic bar and a standard one.

1. Size

The most universal Olympic combination is a 2.2-meter length, 28-millimeter shaft, and 2-inch sleeves. Such a bar usually weighs 20 kilograms. That is the gold standard when it comes to weightlifting, but now you can find barbells that are designed for particular exercises and, thus, have some peculiarities.

The main demand is for a bar to be compatible with Olympic-standard plates that have 2-inch holes.

2. Weight Capacity

The weight capacity of Olympic bars is much higher than you can find among standard ones. Usually, it is about 1000 pounds or even nearly 3000 when it comes to Eleiko bars. Of course, no one can go that heavy, but it is crucial to ensure the safety and the long life of equipment.

Because of a high weight limit, most Olympic bars also have longer sleeves so that you can put more plates on them, especially if you use bumper plates, which are much thicker.

3. Rotation

If you include the snatch and clean & jerk into your training routine, you know how important barbell rotation is. It allows you to do dynamic exercises comfortably and effectively. It gives you speed and explosiveness and moves just the way you direct it easily.

If you choose a quality Olympic bar with good rotation and train with it regularly, you will definitely see big progress in your technique and might even add a few kilos to your personal best as well. At the same time, standard bars do not have this rotation in their sleeves so may feel much more rigid, uncomfortable, and even dangerous.

4. Whip

Most Olympic bars also have a so-called whip. It means that the steep is more flexible, and you can even see a light bend while lifting some heavy weight with it. There are options with a bigger whip and more rigid ones as well, so every athlete can find its perfect flex.

In practice, a nice whip gives some elastic power and feels really comfortable, especially during squats, jerks, deadlifts, etc. It can even add a bit of height to your lift-off and help you with extreme deadlifts.

FAQ

Are All Olympic Bars 50 MM?

Yes, all Olympic bars are 50 mm in diameter, so the sleeves are compatible with standard Olympic plates.

What Size Olympic Bar Should I Buy?

Most Olympic barbells are 2.2 meters long, and that is just the universal size. It fits racks and gives a comfortable feel for most exercises. If you are limited in space, you can choose a shorter option. In case you are a deadlift fan, you may love longer bars.

Are Olympic Bars 2 Inches or 50 MM?

The diameter of an Olympic bar is always 2 inches or 50 mm, according to international standards.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you have a good sum available, go for the Eleiko bar – the golden standard in the Olympic weightlifting world. If you are a bit limited in budget, have a look at the Rogue option, or check out the Titan bar if you are an amateur who needs an affordable versatile bar. And, of course, don’t skip the other options – I have various options for powerlifting, deadlifts, technique training, and many more there.

What does your perfect bar look like? Share your preferences and expectations in the comments!

Also Read:

• Best Short Barbell
• Difference Between Olympic and Standard Weights
• Different Squat Bars
• How Much Does A Barbell Cost
• Best Strongman Log Bar
• Best Safety Squat Bar
• Types Of Barbells
• Best Bumper Plate Storage
• Olympic Barbell Dimensions

References:

1. Olympic Barbell Review and Shopping Guide // Garage Gyms: https://www.garage-gyms.com/olympic-barbell-review-shopping-guide/
2. Barbell Tensile Strength Explained // GymCrafter: https://gymcrafter.com/barbell-tensile-strength-explained
3. Olympic vs Standard Barbells – What is the difference? // Little Bloke Fitness: https://www.littleblokefitness.com.au/blogs/fitblog/the-difference-between-standard-and-olympic-plates-and-bars
4. What Is Barbell Whip? // GymCrafter: https://gymcrafter.com/barbell-whip