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Perhaps there is no better symbol for the world of strength training than the bar Both at home in the hands of ancient bodybuilders, and today. cross fit or weightlifting gyms, the barbell is an integral tool for the fitness goal many of us have set out to achieve: getting stronger. Whether you’re knocking out barbell rows on the day after, barbell curls on arm daybarbell squats leg day or a barbell bench press chest dayIt’s clear that no proper strength training is complete without a good quality barbell.
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The best dumbbells are typically fifteen to eight feet long, feature a knurled handle to help with grip strength, and sleeves at each end for accumulating large barbell weight plates. Due to this construction, they are designed to carry tons of weight, giving them a huge advantage over the standard dumbbell when it comes to maxing out or hitting a new personal best. This explains why dumbbells are so popular with the powerlifting and bodybuilding crowds.
The men’s Olympic bar, a standard used in competitive weightlifting, measures 7.2 feet and weighs 44 pounds, with a shaft diameter of just over 1 inch. The women’s bar is 6.6 feet long and weighs 33 pounds, with a shaft just under 1 inch in diameter. There are many variations on this size and shape, which we’ll explore later, but the Olympic bar is one you’ll find in most gyms and a good basis for comparison.
When shopping for the best barbells, there are a few basic terms that are helpful to know:
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Tensile strength – the maximum stress a bar can withstand before breaking. It is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). In general, anything 180,000 PSI or higher will be high quality durable.
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Weight/capacity limit — the amount of weight a bar can support before bending. This will depend on how much weight you plan to lift. But in general, the higher the better. The last thing you want is a cheap bar that bends when you’re looking for a new personal best in the deadlift.
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whip – how much a bar bends during fast exercises that rely on flexing for momentum, such as the snatch or clean and jerk. Generally speaking, the thinner the bar, the more whip it has. If you’re just looking to do standard weightlifting compound exercises, you’ll want a bar with less whip.
We’ve sourced the best free weights on the market, along with a few other pieces of equipment to get you started on your strength training journey. Keep in mind that while there are plenty of affordable dumbbells on the market, many of them lack the quality to warrant a spot on this list. For that reason, we’ve kept our list short and left out weights that could definitely get the job done, but aren’t up to our standards. If you really want the best of the best, we recommend shelling out the cash for competitive, commercial grade brands like york bar, American Baror our provider of choice for the best bar overall: Rogue Fitness.
the best weights
1. Rogue Fitness The Ohio Bar
Rogue Fitness makes some of the best quality weightlifting equipment in the game, which makes sense considering the company’s ubiquity in gyms today. Their dumbbells are no exception, and while they cost a pretty penny, Rogue Fitness dumbbells truly represent the gold standard in weights. Available in dozens of different constructions and coatings, The Ohio Bar with a stainless steel shaft features double knurl markings for extra grip and unparalleled construction that matches the Rogue Fitness reputation. The Ohio Bar is also a reminder that purchasing gym-quality equipment for your home is a considerable investment. The stainless steel iteration is the most expensive on this list, but it’s also Rogue’s most affordable barbell, giving you an idea of the company’s offerings. Still, if you want the absolute best bar, this is it.
Shop: Rogue Fitness The Ohio Bar $370.00
2. LIONSCOOL 7-Foot Olympic Bar
If you’re just starting out and don’t feel like investing $400 in a bar, we get it. This LIONSCOOL Olympic Bar offers a more affordable option, thanks to the fact that it is available in three different weight capacities. lifting light? The 500 pound weight limit bar is under $150 and boasts a PSI of 80,000, which wouldn’t be enough for professional bodybuilders, but will get the job done at an entry level price.
Shop: LIONSCOOL 7-Foot Olympic Bar $170.99
3. Annzoe Olympic Bar
If you want a quality barbell at an affordable price, check out this option from Annzoe, which has a PSI of 190,000 and a weight limit of 700 pounds, which should be plenty of support. However, it’s worth noting that while this bar claims to be up to Olympic standards, most reviewers indicate that it weighs about 10 pounds less than the standard 44 pounds. This is still a great option for the price if you don’t care about official Olympic standards.
Buy: Annzoe Olympic Barbell $139.99 (original $200.00) 30% OFF
4. Synergee Games Color Bars
To be honest, you’ll need to leave Amazon for the best dumbbells and head to the companies that supply gym-ready equipment. But if you’re determined to stick with your favorite mega-retailer, or if shipping is delayed from one of the other brands, as has often been the case during these times of training from home, this bar from Synergee Games is your best bet. . While it’s only an inch in diameter, it’s Olympic-standard at 44 pounds and boasts 190,000 PSI with a 1,500-pound weight capacity. You can choose between red or black rods at the 44-pound level, or opt for a hot pink option at the 33-pound offering.
Buy: Synergree Games Colored Barbell $259.95
5. CAP Barbell 7ft Olympic Bar
With a name like CAP Barbell, you better believe this company delivers in the weight department. In fact, they have been manufacturing exercise equipment for over 25 years and supplying a range of weights and accessories. This particular bar comes in a handful of different styles of varying quality. We’d recommend skipping THE BEAST, its cheapest iteration, as several reviewers note the bar’s sloping due to splinters. Instead, opt for one of the higher quality styles, which boast a higher PSI. Based on its 4.7-star rating and nearly 3,500 reviews (with the knowledge that most of the bad ones focus on THE BEAST), you can’t go wrong with this barbell from CAP Barbell.
Shop: CAP Barbell 7-Foot Olympic Bar $219.99
6. Sunny Health & Fitness 60-Inch Barbell
At 5 feet long and just 13 pounds, this light bar from Sunny Health & Fitness doesn’t meet Olympic standards, but the $35 price tag alone makes it worth considering. Again, this is another good option for beginners (weight capacity is only 250lbs) or for building a home gym on a budget, as the money saved here will allow you to invest in other barbell accessories and gym equipment. . Not convinced? Over 6,000 reviewers highlight the great value of this handy little bar.
Shop: Sunny Health & Fitness 60-Inch Barbell $39.99
The best accessories for weights
1.AMGYM bumper plates
While you can definitely use a barbell without weights for a light workout or warm-up, you’ll need a good set of bumper plates to make the most of those strength gains. Coated with a protected rubber exterior, the skid plates are much safer than exposed cast iron plates, both for you (in case a weight drops on your foot) and for the ground when you need to hit the bar after a great set. These bumper plates from AMGYM come in different weight combinations, but we like the 160-pound set, which features three pairs of plates at 10, 25, and 45 pounds.
Buy: AMGYM Bumper Plates $329.99
2. Clout Fitness Barbell Clamps
There’s nothing worse than watching your plates slide up and down your barbell sleeves during a heavy lift. That messes with the stability of your bar and can make things pretty dangerous. Fortunately, this set of weight clamps will keep your plates firmly in place. Available in 12 different colors, they’re handy to have on your gym back for weight days. Quick release lever makes them easy to put on and take off.
Buy: Clout Fitness Barbell Clamps $17.95
3. ProFitness Weight Pad
When it’s leg day and you’re increasing the weight on the squat rack, your shoulders take a beating holding the bar. The next time you’re looking for a new personal best, try using this weight pad from ProFitness, which uses high-density foam to relieve the pressure of that heavy weight on your upper back. It’s small enough to throw in your gym bag for those heavy leg days. Trust us, your shoulders will thank you.
Buy: ProFitness Barbell Pad $19.95
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