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10 Best Olympic Bars 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

CAP Barbell Classic 7-Foot Olympic Bar, Chrome - New Version (OBIS-85)

The CAP Barbell Classic 7-Foot Olympic Bar is a solid choice for both novice and experienced lifters looking to perform a variety of strength training exercises. Made from cold-rolled steel with a chrome finish, it boasts a robust tensile strength of 63,800 PSI, making it suitable for heavy lifting with a weight limit of 500 pounds. Measuring 7 feet in length and featuring a 30mm grip diameter, this bar is designed to accommodate standard Olympic weight plates, ensuring versatility in your workout routine.

One of the highlights is the medium-depth knurling, which provides a secure grip without being overly aggressive, making it comfortable for extended use. The rotating sleeves equipped with bushings reduce strain on the wrists during lifts, enhancing the lifting experience. Its size and design make it ideal for powerlifting and Olympic lifting, allowing users to target various muscle groups effectively.

Some users may find the weight of 35.26 pounds to be on the heavier side for beginners who are just starting with lifting. While the chrome finish is visually appealing, it may require additional care to prevent rusting if not maintained properly. The CAP Barbell Classic Olympic Bar combines strength and functionality, making it suitable for a wide range of lifters. Its solid construction and thoughtful design features provide a reliable tool for achieving fitness goals, though beginners might need some time to get accustomed to its weight and handling.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Knurling
The knurling is perfectly designed, offering just the right amount of grip without being overly abrasive on my hands.
Sleeve Rotation
The smooth rotation of the sleeves has been a game-changer, ensuring efficient and safe execution of my lifts.
#2

CAP Barbell Olympic Trap Bar, Hex Bar, Shrug Bar, Deadlift Bar, Black, 50 inches

The CAP Barbell Olympic Trap Bar is a versatile piece of equipment designed for weightlifting, particularly for exercises like deadlifts and shrugs. It measures 50 inches in length, 29 inches in width, and has a height of 14 inches, making it relatively compact for home gyms. The bar weighs 28 pounds and can handle a maximum weight capacity of 500 pounds, which is suitable for most weightlifters ranging from beginners to intermediate level.

The loadable sleeve length is 9.5 inches, providing ample space for weight plates, and the bar features an ergonomic grip that is comfortable and neutral, reducing strain on the back during lifts. Constructed from alloy steel, the bar is sturdy, and the medium carbon steel bolts offer a tensile strength of 74,000 PSI, ensuring durability.

This Olympic Trap Bar is an excellent choice for those looking to perform a full-body workout conveniently at home with a reliable and compact bar.

#3

RitFit Olympic Barbell 4FT, 2-inch Weightlifting Bar for Strength Training and Home Gym Black

The RitFit 4FT Olympic Barbell is a compact, 25 mm diameter bar suitable for home gyms, especially for accessory work like curls. Its short length (1.2 meters) makes it great for close grip exercises and better balance during these movements. Made of high-quality alloy steel with an oxide finish, it promises durability and comes with a lifetime warranty against bending.

The bar weighs 20 pounds and can handle up to 350 pounds of weight, making it appropriate for both beginners and intermediate lifters. The knurling on the grip provides a secure hold, and the needle bearings ensure smooth and quiet sleeve rotation, which is essential for a more reliable turnover at maximum loads.

However, its shorter length may not be suitable for all weightlifting exercises, and it might not fit standard racks. This barbell is a great option for those who need a compact, durable bar for specific exercises but may not be ideal for those looking for a versatile bar for a wide range of Olympic lifting exercises.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Bar Length
Its 4 ft length and diamond grip make workouts more stable and comfortable, especially in small home gyms with limited space.
Knurling
The knurling on the bar provides a secure grip, reducing the risk of slipping and enhancing overall control during exercises.
Sleeve Rotation
The smooth rotation of the sleeves reduces stress on wrists and allows for seamless transitions between movements.

Buying Guide for the Best Olympic Bars

Choosing the right Olympic bar is crucial for your weightlifting or powerlifting routine. The right bar can enhance your performance, ensure safety, and provide durability. When selecting an Olympic bar, consider the following key specifications to find the best fit for your needs.
Bar LengthThe length of an Olympic bar typically ranges from 6 to 8 feet. This spec is important because it affects the bar's balance and the amount of weight it can hold. A standard men's bar is usually 7 feet long, while women's bars are around 6.5 feet. If you have limited space or are focusing on specific lifts like the bench press, a shorter bar might be more suitable. For general use and versatility, a 7-foot bar is often the best choice.
Bar WeightOlympic bars come in different weights, with the standard men's bar weighing 20 kg (44 lbs) and the women's bar weighing 15 kg (33 lbs). This spec is important because it ensures you are lifting the correct weight for your training and competition standards. If you are training for Olympic weightlifting or powerlifting, it's essential to use a bar that matches the competition standards. For general fitness, choose a bar weight that aligns with your strength level and training goals.
Bar DiameterThe diameter of an Olympic bar affects your grip and the bar's overall strength. Men's bars typically have a diameter of 28-29 mm, while women's bars are around 25 mm. A thicker bar can be more challenging to grip, which can impact your performance, especially in lifts like the snatch or clean and jerk. Choose a bar diameter that feels comfortable in your hands and allows you to maintain a secure grip throughout your lifts.
KnurlingKnurling refers to the textured pattern on the bar that helps with grip. The depth and pattern of the knurling can vary, with some bars having more aggressive knurling for a better grip and others having a smoother texture. This spec is important for ensuring you can hold onto the bar securely, especially during heavy lifts. If you have sensitive hands or prefer a less aggressive grip, opt for a bar with moderate knurling. For heavy lifting and better grip, choose a bar with more pronounced knurling.
WhipWhip refers to the bar's flexibility and how much it bends under load. This spec is important for dynamic lifts like the clean and jerk or snatch, where a bit of flex can help with the movement. Bars with more whip are preferred for Olympic weightlifting, while stiffer bars are better for powerlifting. Consider the type of lifting you will be doing most often and choose a bar with the appropriate amount of whip for your needs.
Sleeve RotationThe sleeves of an Olympic bar are the parts that hold the weight plates, and their ability to rotate smoothly is crucial for certain lifts. This spec is important because it reduces the stress on your wrists and allows for smoother lifts. Bars with high-quality bearings or bushings in the sleeves will rotate more smoothly. If you are performing a lot of Olympic lifts, look for a bar with good sleeve rotation. For general strength training, this may be less critical, but still beneficial.
Tensile StrengthTensile strength measures how much weight the bar can handle before it bends or breaks, usually indicated in pounds per square inch (PSI). This spec is important for ensuring the durability and safety of the bar. Bars with a tensile strength of 150,000 PSI or higher are considered strong and durable. For heavy lifting and long-term use, choose a bar with a higher tensile strength. For lighter training, a lower tensile strength may be sufficient.

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