Bars

The best barbell depends on your exercises, experience and training goals. A standard barbell is suitable for general strength training, while an Olympic barbell is designed for a wide range of compound lifts. Specialist bars, such as EZ curl bars, trap bars and safety squat bars, offer alternative grips and lifting positions for specific exercises.

The main difference is the diameter of the sleeves and the weight plates they accept. Olympic barbells use sleeves designed for weight plates with 2-inch (50mm) centre holes, whereas standard barbells accept plates with 1-inch (25mm) holes. The two types of bar and plate are not interchangeable, so check compatibility before buying.

The right barbell length depends on your available space, exercises and whether you use a squat rack or power rack. Shorter bars can be useful in compact home gyms, while longer bars offer more sleeve space for weight plates. If you plan to bench press or squat inside a rack, check the bar's overall length, sleeve length and compatibility with your rack before purchasing.

A standard barbell or a suitable entry-level Olympic barbell can be a good starting point for beginners. Consider the weight you can comfortably lift, the exercises you want to perform and the plates you already own. A lighter technique bar can also help you practice lifting movements and correct form before progressing to a heavier bar.

An EZ curl bar is designed for arm exercises such as bicep curls, reverse curls and triceps extensions. Its angled grip positions offer a more comfortable wrist position than a straight bar for most users. It is a useful addition for anyone who wants to target their biceps and triceps with different grip variations.

A trap bar, also called a hex bar or shrug bar, allows you to stand inside the bar and hold handles at your sides. It is commonly used for deadlifts, shrugs and loaded carries. A straight barbell is more versatile for conventional deadlifts, squats, bench presses and Olympic weightlifting movements. The best choice depends on your training goals and preferred lifting technique.

A safety squat bar is a specialist barbell that features shoulder padding and forward-facing handles. It allows you to squat with your hands in a different position from a traditional back squat, which many lifters find more comfortable. It can be useful for strength training, squat variations and lifters who want an alternative to a conventional barbell.

A Swiss bar, also known as a multi-grip bar, has several handle positions that allow you to perform pressing and pulling exercises with different hand placements. Common exercises include bench presses, shoulder presses and rows. The neutral-grip options feel more comfortable for many users.

Women's Olympic weightlifting bars are generally lighter and have a thinner shaft than conventional 20kg Olympic barbells. A typical women's competition-style bar weighs 15kg, while a men's competition-style bar weighs 20kg. These weights are specified by the IWF. Both use Olympic-sized weight plates, but shaft diameter, length, knurling and other specifications vary by model. Always check the individual product details to ensure the bar suits your training needs.

The weight plates you need depend on the diameter of your bar's sleeves. Olympic bars accept Olympic plates with 2-inch centre holes, while standard bars accept plates with 1-inch centre holes. Some specialist bars have different loading requirements, so check the product specifications before purchasing plates or collars. Bumper plates have a 2-inch centre hole so if you want to use bumper plates you need to purchase an Olympic bar.

Yes, collars are recommended whenever you load a bar with weight plates. They help keep the plates secured on the sleeves during exercise and reduce the risk of plates shifting or sliding off. Choose the correct collars to match your bar's sleeve diameter.

A fixed barbell has a set weight that cannot be changed, making it convenient for quick exercise changes and repeated sets at the same load. Fixed barbells are useful for circuit training and commercial gyms as they save a lot of time compared to adjusting the weight on a barbell.

An axle bar is a thick-grip bar used in strongman training and grip-strength exercises. Its thicker shaft makes it more challenging to hold than a conventional barbell, placing additional demands on the hands and forearms. Axle bars can be used for movements such as deadlifts, presses and rows to add additional challenge into the workout.

A tricep bar is a specialist weight-training bar designed to help target the triceps and other upper-body muscles. Depending on its design, it can be used for tricep extensions, skull crushers, hammer curls and pressing exercises. Multi-grip versions offer alternative hand positions for increased workout options.

Choose a barbell that is suitable for your rack's width and the exercises you want to perform. A 6ft international Olympic bar is a compact option that fits our cages and racks, while a full-length 7ft Olympic bar is also a popular choice for standard-sized power racks. Check the overall bar length, distance between the sleeves, usable sleeve length and the rack manufacturer's specifications before purchasing.

Store your bar in a purpose-built bar storage system. Wipe away sweat and moisture after training, clean the shaft and knurling when necessary, and keep the bar in a dry environment to reduce the risk of corrosion. Avoid leaving bars in damp garages or sheds without suitable moisture control.