Whilst most barbells are perfect for starting squats, pressing, deadlifts, rows, weightlifting and other compound lifts, there can be a multitude of reasons as to why you may need an upgrade. Read on to learn the benefits different barbell types can give your gym setup and workouts.
If You're Upgrading to an Olympic Barbell
Olympic barbells (usually available in 15kg and 20kg variations), offer consistent sleeve diameters, increasing compatibility with a wider range of weight plates and bumpers. Olympic bars often provide a higher tensile strength and elevated maximum weight capacity, letting you progress to weights a standard barbell can’t handle. Typically offering better balance, more aggressive knurling for grip, and rolling sleeves, Olympic barbells offer a smoother, safer, and more predictable lifting experience.
If You're Upgrading to a Sport-Specific Barbell
Whether you are an Olympic weightlifter, powerlifter, strongman, powerbuilder, or partake in other specific strength disciplines, you may find you require a bar built to suit these needs.
Power bars are a great option for heavy compound lifts, and typically feature a sharper knurling for better grip, as well as increased resistance to flexing, providing a solid and predictable lifting experience.
Deadlift bars, such as the Behemoth Deadlift Barbell, are typically longer than conventional barbells, with aggressive knurling, and provide ‘whip’ off the floor, allowing for heavier pulls and huge boosts to your deadlift experience. Squat bars such as the Leviathan are thicker and heavier. They feature a centre knurling, helping keep them sturdy on your back during heavy squats, and resisting rolling and bending to help maximise power and minimise injury risk.
If You're Upgrading to a Rackable Barbell
Not all barbells are long enough to fit in Power Racks, bench press racks and squat racks, so if you’ve bought a rack for your gym, you may need to upgrade your bar. Using a rack with safety spotters will let you lift heavier and increase safety. It’s also much more comfortable to load the bar on the rack, rather than struggle to lift it into position from the floor.
If You're Upgrading for Gym Aesthetics
Kitting out your new gym can be exciting! And whilst your barbell may suit your needs perfectly, it may not fit the aesthetics of the rest of your gym. For example, if you are aiming for a darker themed gym with a black power rack, a silver barbell may clash with the look you are creating. Other reasons to upgrade for aesthetics is an aging barbell, one that is rusting, or one that has seen extensive use and is looking a little worse for wear.
If You're Upgrading to a Barbell with a Higher Weight Capacity
Your barbell may be perfectly functional for the lifts you perform. However, all barbells have a maximum load capacity and exceeding this, can cause damage to your bar or gym, negatively impact your lifting experience by flexing or bending unpredictably under load, or even cause significant injury. If you are close to the barbell weight limit, you should consider upgrading to continue progressing and keep safe.
Whilst there may not be an immediate need to upgrade your barbell, there are lots of reasons to consider it. Whether you’re outgrowing your existing barbell, wanting to utilise a power rack, moving to a more focused style of training, wanting to make your lifting experience smoother and safer, or looking to improve the looks of your gym, why not take a look at the range of Olympic Barbells we offer?
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Tags: Equipment > Bars & Weight Plates ; Exercise Type > Strength ; Misc. > Gym Planning
