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Types Of Barbell
Olympic barbell
Olympic barbells are fairly big pieces of kit – they need to be to perform complex lifts like the snatch or the clean and press. An Olympic barbell shouldn’t be lower than 185KPI and has a standard weight of 20kg, which is usually distributed over a length of 6-7ft (1.8-2.1m), with an eminently whippable diameter of 28mm. That’s so a lifter can use the flexibility of the bar to help move the weight. If you watch Olympic weightlifting closely you’ll see that they pause to catch the right amount of flex before completing a movement.

Spin on an Olympic barbell is a must. The movements of the bar would bend the wrists far too much for comfort (comfort being a relative term here).

The knurling on Olympic barbells will vary, but it should be fairly light. If you’re buying an Olympic barbell to practise for competitions, check the distances between the grips with your regulatory body to see if the knurling is in the correct place.

Powerlifting barbell
Powerlifting bars are used for the lifts that really stack the weight on like the bench press, deadlift and back squat. They tend to weigh 20kg, are 5-6ft long and have a 28.5-29mm diameter. The tensile rating should be 190KPI as a minimum if you want a bar that will last and have a high yield. The whip on a powerlifting bar should be very low to enable you to get the required control.

Minimal spin is important, particularly if you’re planning on performing moves like the back squat, bench press or military press. However, some spin is still needed if you’re going to be doing front squats because the bar will need to rotate a bit when moving into position.

Knurling should be high on a powerlifting bar. Quite simply, if you’re lifting heavy and controlled, you’ve got to get a grip. Look for knurling in the centre of the barbell, too, because this will be important for grip during squats.


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Trap or hexagonal bars
We couldn’t ignore the trap bar because it can be used for one of the greatest lifts of all time – the deadlift. Not only that, but it’s damn good for working your traps with shoulder shrugs.

The trap bar consists of a hexagonal frame which you step into so that the grips are by your sides. That means you place less pressure on your back during deadlifts, while still activating the legs and glutes. Being able to keep your hands at your sides rather than having them in front of you is also ideal for nailing the shoulder shrug.

These bars will usually have as little whip as possible and zero spin. The knurling should also be quite prominent to ensure a good hold.

The better trap bars will have two heights for grip – essentially one for shrugs and one for deadlifts. You’ll also want a weight rating high enough to cover your heaviest lifts.

All-purpose barbell
The specialist barbells above are focused on specific moves – and let’s be honest with ourselves, they’re pretty cool. However, they’re not perfect for everyone. In fact, from just looking at an Olympic bar you may perhaps feel that lifting isn’t for you.

Enter the mid-range, all-purpose barbell. They’re for anyone who’s focused on building muscle and perfecting form. A tensile rating of around 175KPI will suit, and it’s worth aiming for a 28.5mm diameter which will support a decent amount of flex but also allow for your powerlifting to be uninhibited.

The knurling and spin should be of the middling variety. You don’t need a bar riddled with knurling because the all-purpose barbell isn’t suitable for shifting really heavy weights, but you’ll definitely want some to counteract sweating. As for spin, it’s fine to opt for bushings. You won’t need the fractional difference that bearings provide – yet.

The Best Barbells
Best Budget Bar: DTX Fitness 4ft Barbell Weight Bar
Two-metre bars are all very well in the gym or an especially roomy home (or more likely garage) gyms, but if you’re working out in a cramped flat or house then it’s not easy to manoeuvre something that long. This basic 4ft (122cm) bar is more suitable in that scenario and the still considerable max load of 150kg means you won’t be selling yourself short in your sessions. The bar will take all standard 1in weight plates, with spinlock collars to keep them in place. And if you do want a longer bar, or an Olympic one, DTX Fitness has a range available on Amazon. Just be aware that the delivery costs are a little steep at £10 per bar.