Barbell Buying Guide 2025: How to Choose a Barbell for Your Training Needs
- Vulcan Team
- Jun 12
- 13 min read
As you are about to see, even though most barbells look pretty much the same and are of the same length and weight, there are so many details that will determine what kind of barbell you should get. Yes, it can be overwhelming, but that's why we are here to help.
We will break down the nitty-gritty details and present you with different types of barbells, helping you determine which one best fits your goals. And remember—buying the cheapest is rarely good, but going straight for the most expensive item is often a complete waste of money, so read the article carefully.
Barbell anatomy explained
Before we dig deeper into barbell types, we should dissect the features and specifications that will help you understand the barbell build, quality, and function. As you are about to see, those features in combination make some barbells a better option for certain lifts and activities:
Barbell shaft
The barbell shaft is the central, straight part of the barbell you hold while lifting. On each side of the shaft, you will find "sleeves," which is the smooth part you put the weight plates on. Here's what to look for when browsing different shaft types:
Shaft thickness
The shaft thickness will directly affect your lifting, which is the first number you should pay attention to:
25mm: This is the standard for women in the sport of Olympic weightlifting. No different than women's basketball, the implement (ball) is smaller to accommodate a generally smaller hand with womens weightlifting body weight class beginning at 48 kg.
28mm: This is the standard for a Men's barbell for the sport of Olympic Weightlifting. Much easier to hook grip, (gripping the bar in a way that the index finger presses on top of the thumb adding a higher level of security and strength to the grip for explosive movements) allowing high repetition workouts, as well as the highly technical Olympic lifts. Preferred by Olympic weightlifters and Crossfitters for activities such as snatches and cleans.
28.5mm: This is considered a hybrid barbell or Mixed use bar. This is weightlifting barbell that bridges the gap between the Power bar and the Olympic bar. A thicker barbell generally has less whip, and offers more comfort in the hand when doing heavy presses. This feature is why thicker shafts are preferred by powerlifters, especially for exercises where grip is not as much of an issue, such as squats and bench press. But, if you have smaller hands, thicker shafts will be a challenge. This is good barbell diameter for most commercial gyms and institutional settings (high school weight rooms, military gyms etc). Its good for the big three lifts (Squat, Bench Press, and Deadlift), as well as some aspects of Olympic Weightlifting with moderate weights, and general barbell strength training workouts.
29mm. This is the standard for the sport of Powerlifting for both men and women. The thicker barbell is very rigid and stiff, it offers very minimal flexion. The lack of flex can help the lifter to walk the weight out of the rack more safely as there is minimal oscillation of the bar that could cause the lifter to become unbalanced. The diameter of the barbell isnt much of a concern for grip since the lifters aren't performing multiple and explosive lifts that fatigue the grip as with the Snatch, and Clean and Jerk of the Olympic lifts. There is a disadvantage of the 29 mm barbell as it applies to the deadlift though. There are Deadlift bars that have 27 mm diameter that can assist the lifter in being able to pull more weight off the floor. SOme powerlifting bodies ban these types of bars and others do not.
32mm. This is the diameter of a Squat Bar. The squat bar is noticeably thicker and heavier than any of the previous listed bars. It offers maximum comfort for heavy low bar or high bar squats and basically zero flexion.
Barbell length
When it comes to length, Olympic barbells are 220 cm long for men and 201 cm long for women.
Training bars are shorter (up to 180 cm) and are useful for perfecting your technique. They are helpful for younger athletes, seniors, and newbees.
Barbell material and coating
Barbells are made of steel, which is highly durable and incredibly strong (we will discuss tensile strength later). But, the shaft coating is also important. It will not only determine the barbell's looks but will also affect its durability, feel, and resistance to daily wear and tear. Here are some common coatings:
Bare Steel: Looks great and feels incredible, which is why lifters like bare steel bars. However, when it comes to aesthetics it is not the best choice. Perspiration, body oils, and dust can cause oxidation if the barbell isn't properly meticulously maintained.
Black Oxide: Looks fantastic, too, and has better rust resistance than bare steel, and also solid grip. However, it is not as durable as some other coatings.
Black Zinc- Bright Zinc : Excellent corrosion resistance, which means terrific durability. The issue with zinced barbells is that they aren't as grippy as the ones we mentioned above.
Hard Chrome: Hard Chrome barbells have outstanding durability and aesthetics. Hard Chrome is used many industrial applications as it not only hardens the steel when applied properly, its more corrosive resistant than any coating other than stainless steel Despite of rampant marketing that hard chrome weakens barbells, this is only true if the coating is improperly applied. As a result hard chrome is the most costly coating.
Stainless Steel: An excellent, durable option, time-tested, fit for various purposes. You have the feel of grip of a raw steel barbell with the anti corrosive properties better than hard chrome.
Cerakote: Cerakote barbells come in various colors, which can appeal to some. They durable and have outstanding rust resistance. The shortfall of cerakote is that its primarily made for weapons coatings. Generally you wouldn't be slamming steel weights on your grandpa's colt so the coating isn't primarily made for this use and can wear with the metal to metal contact
Barbells Sleeves and Spin
Barbell sleeves are the ends of the barbell, on which you put on weight plates. Standard Olympic barbell sleeves have a diameter of 50mm ( almost 2 inches), which matches the diameter of Olympic (bumper and weight) plates.
Sleeves of standard barbells spin slower or faster, depending on the bar. The barbell spin is a crucial feature, as it enables safe lifting, particularly during explosive, Olympic-style lifts. Without spin, all of that energy would be directly transferred to the body, which would make lifts incredibly dangerous.
But powerlifters prefer less spin, as it allows them better stability during hard lifts.
Sleeves are usually smooth, but some barbells have light knurling, which helps with loading. But what separates barbells is sleeve rotation in terms of speed. We have two main sleeve mechanisms:
Bushings: Sleeves with bushings (brass, bronze, composite) are slower, which is why they are a better option for powerlifting bars. Because they are less complicated, they last longer, and are more affordable.
Bearings: Sleeves with bearings (ball or needle bearings) are much faster, which is why they are preferred for Olympic lifts. But, their durability is usually lower, and they cost far more.
It's worth noting that there are longer barbells with longer sleeves that are suitable for adding extra weight to the bar. But, as you can probably guess, these barbells are only for the most advanced powerlifters who can benefit from such a feature.
Key barbell features to consider
Now that we have covered the anatomy let's go over the features and specifications you will find when browsing barbells:
Tensile strength & PSI rating
Tensile strength is measured in PSI (pounds per square inch). It represents how much weight a barbell shaft can withstand before it breaks.
As you can imagine, more PSI is better. Even if you are not The Mountain, better tensile strength will mean better durability. Higher PSI will mean less permanent deformation and bending.
In general, barbells within the 150-180k PSI are considered mid-range and suitable for most lifters.
Going higher than 180k PSI is more expensive, but it is recommended for experienced lifters who are into powerlifting.
Barbells with a tensile strength above 200k PSI are practically indestructible, and are a great option for the most advanced lifters that take strength training seriously.
Maximal load capacity
Tensile strength is the most important number you should watch out for when it comes to barbell strength and durability, but total load capacity is also useful.
Ideally, you want a barbell that can withstand 1500 lbs. Still, just like with tensile strength, don't overinvest in total weight capacity, as most people will hardly reach the end range—you want a higher number as it will indicate an increased lifespan.
Tested weight
While most manufacturers display their maximum load capacity, the real test of barbell durability is the actual weight that is tested. As you might expect, tested weight is found far less often and is typically stated only by premium manufacturers.
We can proudly say that all Vulcan barbells are tested using a 1500 lb deflection test, as well as a 140 kg dropping test, which they pass successfully. That means you can expect real-world strength and durability from Vulcan equipment, and not just laboratory-made claims in perfect conditions.
Barbell Whip
The more whip a barbell has, the more it will flex under load without permanent deformation.
While this might seem like something you want to avoid, whip is handy for Olympic lifters, where you can use barbell flexibility and "bounce" to your advantage.
But, for powerlifting and basic straight training exercises, more whip will mean less stability, especially on presses and squats.
Therefore, if you are more advanced, your primary activity will determine the amount of whip your barbell should have. For beginners or casual lifters, moderate whip is the best option, as you will hardly ever load the barbell enough to notice any flexing.
Barbell Knurling
Knurling is the pattern etched to the barbell shaft, either only in the gripping areas or full-length. The roughness or aggressiveness of knurling will directly impact the grip—more aggressive knurling means more grip.
In general, powerlifters prefer barbells with a more aggressive knurl, as it aids them during static exercises, such as the deadlift.
Weightlifters and CrossFit athletes prefer less aggressive knurling as the barbell transitions rapidly from one phase to the next. With too rough knurling, the barbell would tear your skin and clothes during the catch phase of Olympic lifts.
Different manufacturers call knurling in various ways, but in general, we have three groups:
Hill: Knurling with flat tops with minimal grip is called hill knurling, and you will usually find it in cheaper barbells.
Volcano: This type of knurling features a pattern of small craters, hence its name. It offers a good grip without tearing your skin, making it an excellent option for both Olympic lifts and powerlifting.
Mountain: The most aggressive and pointy knurling is the mountain knurling. It will penetrate deeply into your skin, providing maximum grip but also maximum discomfort, making it suitable only for low-rep powerlifting.
Some Olympic barbells lack central knurling, which prevents athletes from scratching their necks, shoulders, collarbones, and upper chest during the catching phase of Olympic lifts, such as cleans.
But central knurling is a good option for general strength training and powerlifting. For squats, for example, it allows the bar to grip your clothes more effectively, thereby improving stability.
Understanding Different Types of Barbells
Gym equipment manufacturers certainly don't lack creativity when it comes to design, and especially product labeling. However, to make things easier for you, we will categorize barbells into four groups.
Olympic Barbells
Olympic lifts, such as the clean, snatch, and jerk, are very explosive. To get the most advantage, you would need a premium Olympic weightlifting bar with the following:
Standard dimensions
High whip
Less aggressive knurling (hill or volcano) without central knurling
Fast rotating sleeves, ideally bushings
Less grippy coating is fine
Above average tensile strength (don't go lower than 180k PSI for durability)
Powerlifting Barbells
Powerlifting moves don't require explosiveness, but maximal stability is essential, which is why powerlifters benefit from barbells with:
Thicker shaft (29mm or more), longer barbell/sleeves, for extra weight (standard dimensions are also fine, especially if you have smaller hands or aren't advanced)
Low whip for maximal stability
Aggressive knurling, mountain or grippy volcano, without center knurling if you are doing CrossFit
Grippy coating
Slower sleeves with bushings are fine
High tensile strength, 180k PSI at least, ideally close to or even north of 200k PSI
CrossFit, Functional and General Strength Training
Because CrossFit involves several Olympic lifts, as well as powerlifting staples such as squats and deadlifts, it is advisable to get a barbell that falls somewhere between powerlifting and Olympic lifting standards. The same applies to individuals who are generally engaged in strength training and are far from advanced. Here's what to look for:
Standard dimensions
Moderate whip
Moderate knurling (volcano), central knurling optional
Moderate sleeve speed
Good tensile strength (180k PSI or more)
Specialty Bars and Their Uses
The fitness equipment market certainly doesn't lack specialty barbells. Here are some types you are likely to come across:
Trap bar (hex bar)
The trap bar is predominantly used for deadlifts, but you can also use it for squat variations, shrugs, and a few other exercises.
Because you hold the bar in the neutral "suitcase" position, the weight is much closer to your center of mass, making deadlifting safer. Additionally, the lifting position is slightly higher, reducing the bar travel distance and minimizing strain in the most problematic part of the lift. A high hex bar also has two pulling heights, giving you a better variety.
For those reasons, trap bars are a good option for most people who aren't required to do conventional deadlifts, as they are much safer to use.
In fact, the hex bar is so useful that the Vulcan Prime Hex Trap Barbell is made to the Army Combat Fitness Test Specifications and is a part of their standard training, which also attests to its quality.
However, the main issue with Stap Trap bars is that you will need to have a regular barbell for most other lifts. However, open hex bars solve this issue as their design allows you to perform exercises such as walking lunges, Zercer squats, rows, carries, and even use them as safety squat bars. That type of versatility and the ability to add functional elements to your training make open trap bars an excellent investment.
It's worth noting that all of the Vulcan trap/hex bars have chromed barbell sleeves, which significantly reduces chipping and, ultimately, rusting, which you will often see with a powder-coat finish. All Vulcan trap bars are tested to a minimum weight of 1200 lbs, which means they'll be able to withstand pretty much anything you throw at them.
Safety squat bar (SSB or yoke bar)
A safety squat bar allows you to do squats without straining your shoulders and wrists. It also shifts the weight more forward, forcing you to be more upright when you lift (similar to a high bar or front squat position). If you have shoulder or wrist issues, an SSB is a good option.
However, just like with the trap bar, you will still need to buy a regular barbell for any lift other than the squat.
Axle bar
Axle bar is much thicker than a regular barbell, with thickness going up to 50mm. Because of this, these barbells are a terrific option for grip training, as they will force your hands and forearm muscles and tendons to work super hard.
However, their thickness makes the axle bar a viable option only for powerlifting, as performing explosive and high-rep movements is next to impossible.
Swiss bar (football bar)
The Swiss or football bar allows you to grip the barbell in a neutral position and with various grip widths, as it has several parallel handles to choose from. As such, it is an excellent option for pressing and rowing and a good choice for lifters with shoulder and elbow pain.
However, as with the rest of the specialty bars, this can only be supplemental to a regular barbell, as you won't get much use if you only have a football bar.
EZ Bars and Super Curl Bars
The EZ and Curl Bars are primarily used for isolating your arm muscles (biceps, triceps, and forearms). Because of their shape, you can use several grips and directly hit short and long heads.
However, the total number of exercises you can perform with these bars is quite limited, making a standard barbell mandatory.
Women's Barbells: what to look for
While women often use men's barbells in gyms, there are benefits of buying a women's barbell, as it can make certain lifts more stable. Here's what to look for:
Dimensions: Women's barbells are lighter (15kg) and shorter (2.01m), with a thinner shaft (25mm).
Knurling: Usually milder, and you will rarely find central knurling, which improves comfort.
Spin: The same as with men's barbells, if you want to perform power moves and Olympic lifts, go with more spin. For powerlifting and general strength training, moderate to low spin is preferred.
Tensile strength and max load: It's a good idea to look for a barbell with a tensile strength of 190k PSI or more. For the weight capacity, look for a tested capacity of 200 kg or more. You will find barbells that can withstand more than 600kg, but we doubt they are the best purchase unless you are an elite athlete.
Coating: The same as men's, but with a greater emphasis on the fancy Cerakote finishes.
How to Choose the Best Barbell for Powerlifting
If you have the luxury of using different barbells for each lift, here is how to choose the perfect barbell for each lift:
Bench press: Because you are pushing weight, too aggressive knurling is not essential, so opt for a volcano without central knurling. The same applies to total capacity, as bench press is significantly weaker than deadlift or squat, which will make 180k PSI more than sufficient. As for the whip and spin, as little as possible.
Deadlift: Because deadlifts are the strongest lifts, you want an extra durable barbell with 200k or more PSI. Spin is not recommended, but you can benefit from more whip, as it will make the lift easier. Look for super-aggressive knurling (mountain, if you can tolerate it) for a secure grip and high load capacity for added durability.
Squat: You want a high load capacity, excellent tensile strength, less whip, and less spinning for maximal stability. So, focus on high tensile strength and total capacity.
How to Choose the Best Barbell for your Garage Gym
While we live from selling equipment, the truth is that barbell alone isn't enough, no matter how good it is. Therefore, if you are just starting to build your garage gym, you will need to spend money on other items too:
Weight plates or bumper plates
And other pieces, depending on your preferences
Even though you don't have to buy everything at once, you will have to spend a considerable amount to build your gym. Yes, buying quality equipment is a significant investment. However, premium equipment lasts longer and retains a high resale value; however, you should still make a wise choice.
For powerlifting and general strength training, tensile strength (190k PSI), moderate/low whip and spin, volcano knurling with central knurling, and a chrome/stainless/zinc finish are optimal. There are viable budget barbell picks that tick most of the boxes.
When you get stronger, you can get another barbell for specific lifts, such as mountain knurling or axle bar for deadlifts, a grab bar, or an SSB.
If you plan to do primarily weightlifting exercises and functional/CrossFit training, you should go for more whip, faster spin (bearings), and no central knurling.
Bottom Line
As you can see, there is a lot more about the barbells than meets the eye. Yes, for beginners, overthinking a barbell is unnecessary. However, you are not going to be a beginner forever, which is why it makes sense to go through due diligence and pick a barbell that will support your strength development in years to come.
Regardless of your choice, you will still need to work hard and regularly if you want to deserve those strength and size gains.
Therefore, no more article-reading procrastination and excuses! Pick a barbell that best fits your needs, and start training ASAP!
