Written by Garett Reid | NSCA, CSCS, CISSN, M.S.E.S.S
Fact checked by Kirsten Yovino, CPT Brookbush Institute
FACT CHECKED
We may earn a commission on purchases made through links on this page at no cost to you. Learn More
While you would think that something as simple as a barbell would be relatively consistent, it's not true. Spend enough time in the gym, and you'll find dozens of different types of weightlifting bars to choose from.
Some are universal in use, while some are awfully specific. Some everyone should own, and others will be only for serious lifters. There are so many different types of barbells that it can be confusing, so we want to help clarify the more popular types of bars at the gym.
Here's a detailed overview of the 12 types of weightlifting bars, so you can determine which may be best for your training goals.
Table of Contents:
- What Are Weightlifting Bars?
- 12 Types of Weightlifting Bars
- Summary of Different Types of Weightlifting Bars
- Choosing Different Types Of Barbells For Your Home Gym
- FAQs
What Are Weightlifting Bars?
A weight lifting bar is a bar, usually made out of a strong metal, that is used for lifting weights. The ends of the barbell will allow a lifter to add weight plates, giving them control of the load.
As mentioned, this relatively straightforward concept has spawned numerous different types of barbells for different purposes. Regardless of a barbell's specific use, its primary function is loading the muscles to promote strength and muscle growth.
Before determining what type of barbell to buy, take a look at this list to get a better overview of your different options.
12 Types of Weightlifting Bars
We're now going to go over 12 different weightlifting bars. To keep some sort of organization, we'll first start with the most common types of straight bars. After, we will go into various specialized bars.
When we go into the specialty bars, we will try to order them with the most common types first. Just keep in mind this is not absolute, and types of barbells will vary in different locations.
1) Standard Bar:
We have the standard bar as the number one barbell due to semantics and to avoid confusion. In reality, it's not that standard anymore. You likely won't see these unless you go to an older or budget gym.
Standard barbells are around 6 ft tall and have a straight shaft of about 1". The ends of the barbells are threaded with a stopper, allowing you to load plates and then secure them with a nut. Further, the collars are fixed.
As mentioned, these are hardly used anymore, but if this happens be the type of barbell you gravitate toward, check out the Philosophy Gym 1" Standard Weightlifting Barbell, complete with star collars and all.
Philosophy Gym’s Standard Barbell is crafted of immense durability and long-lasting performance, holds weights up to 110 pounds, supports all types of standard 1” weight plates, and is great for home gyms...
2) Olympic Bar:
The Olympic barbell has become the new "standard barbell." We discuss this in depth in our article comparing the Olympic Barbell vs Standard Barbell, so be sure to check that out for more information.
When looking at this barbell's weight and size, they're 7ft long and generally weigh 20kg (44 lbs) but also have women's bars at 15kg (33 lbs). In addition, an Olympic barbell also has a 28mm diameter shaft and 2-inch rotating collars.
These rotating collars really set them apart from the standard bar. When we lift, unless the bar moves perfectly vertically with no movement, the weight plates experience inertia, meaning they will want to rotate.
With fixed collars, this also means the bar will want to rotate, putting excessive force on the wrists or causing you to drop it. Either way, the lift will be sub-optimal.
Spinning collars will eliminate this as the plates spin while the bar remains stationary. Rotation is essential during Olympic lifts, such as the clean and jerk, which is why this bar was initially developed (hence the name).
The knurling will be light as the bar needs to spin some during the Olympic lifts. However, the center and outsides will be smooth so the bar can land on the chest and shoulders without tearing the skin apart.
Along with the Olympic lifts, the Olympic bar is pretty much the best all-around bar if you can only get one.
Since they are so popular, there are tons of choices in Olympic bars. If you're in the market and don't feel like breaking the bank, I recommend the BoS Bar 2.0 as it'll give you a high-quality rotating bar for a reasonable price.
Our best-selling Olympic weightlifting barbell with a hardened chrome finish and the perfect amount of spin...
3) Powerlifting Bar:
Powerlifting bars are similar to Olympic bars and are found in many gyms. They have the same basic design, size, and weight, but the primary difference is they are significantly stiffer with a little whip. Some power bars may also be longer, up to 7'4".
These variations are explicitly built for powerlifting, which has three big lifts: back squat, bench press, and deadlift.
A stiffer bar generally makes the lift easier for the back squat and bench press.
Another key factor is the extensive and aggressive knurling. Apart from two smaller sections toward the middle, the entire bar has knurling.
Powerlifting bars need this aggressive knurling to help grip for deadlifts, as no straps are allowed. Further, the knurling goes all along the bar to stick to the back during squats.
If you're not active in powerlifting or a serious lifter, you may find the knurling quite uncomfortable and should probably just stick with Olympic bars.
However, if you're serious about your big lifts, we highly recommend you check out the Titan Series Power Bar.
Made in the USA, the Black Zinc TITAN Series Power Barbell is a 20KG, 28.5MM Olympic barbell with an aggressive diamond textured knurl, single knurl marks, and center knurl.....
4) Fixed Bar/EZ Curl Bar:
A fixed bar is usually associated with barbell curls. These are shorter in length and can have weights permanently attached to the ends. There are generally two types:
The first is a straight bar. As the name implies, these bars are straight with a knurl along the length.
The second type is an EZ-curl bar, a fixed bar with various angled cuts. This shape allows for a more angled grip, taking the pressure off the wrist so you can safely lift more weight.
If you're in the market for an EZ curl bars to grow those arms, I like the BoS Industrial EZ Curl Bar for its price point and ability to load your own weight, up to 300 pounds.
The Industrial EZ Curl Bar helps you build an amazing set of biceps without straining your wrists and elbows, with a rust-resistant Cerakote finish...
Looking for more great recommendations? Check out our article on the 9 Best Curl Bar Picks!
5) Trap Bar:
The trap bar is one of the most popular specialty bars and one of the few you don't squat with. Instead, you pick it up with your hands.
Also known as hex bars, trap bars are shaped like a large hexagon with two long collars coming out on the ends. Additionally, two handles run along the inside for grip. This design allows a person to step inside the trap bar and grab onto the handles.
From here, they can perform trap bar deadlifts or frame carries. In addition, the lifter can alter his biomechanics to make the movement look more like a squat (quad dominant) or deadlift (hamstring dominant). While the shape remains consistent when it come to hex bar weight, these bars can vary in weight from 45-65 lbs, so check with your manufacturer.
We love the trap bar, and it's found in most of our routines. I especially like the Force USA Walkthrough Trap Bar due to its versatility and function.
The Walkthrough Trap Bar offers an innovative and counterbalanced open design to allow for a wide range of exercises such as lunges and carries, without...
For more great options, head to our article on the 9 Best Trap Bars!
6) Safety Squat Bar:
Safety squat bars have risen in popularity quite dramatically over the past few years. What was once only seen in serious strength gyms can now be seen in many commercial gyms. And I love 'em!
A safety squat bar weighs between 45 and 65 lb, and it's main feature is its shape. It starts straight in the middle section like a standard weightlifting bar. However, when the bar reaches the outer thirds on both sides, the bar angles down at a 90-degree angle. After a foot or so, the bars then turn at another 90 degrees to run parallel with the middle section.
In addition, two large handles drop down in the center of the bar. These handles are heavily padded, as is the centerpiece. Together these three padded sections make a U shape.
When you use the safety squat bar, your head goes into the center of the U-shape formed with the centerpiece on your neck and the handles coming down over your traps. The weight will sit directly on your traps, which is why the pads are there.
You can use the handles to alter the position of the weights to produce different biomechanics, but in general, the design of the bar lowers your center of gravity. It also helps you maintain an upright posture and relieve stress on the lower back. Safety bar squats are great for those with any type of shoulder issue, as you can hold the handles in front of your body.
While it's generally used for back squats, you can use this bar for front squats, lunges, and Hatfield squats.
This is yet another specialty bar that we use often and is one of the first bars we recommend. Interested in one that does the job but won't break the bank? For those on a budget, I like the RitFit Safety Squat Bar, which even has removable shoulder pads for sweaty lifters who want to wash them.
RitFit Safety Squat Bar is suitable for standard 50MM Olympic weight plates and discs. Constructed with heavy-duty solid steel, its maximum weight capacity is 700lb...
For more great safety squat bar options, check out our article on the 6 Best Safety Squat Bars!
7) Swiss Bar:
Even though Swiss bars have become common inside true strength and conditioning facilities, you should consider yourself lucky if you have access to one.
The Swiss bar is a multi-grip bar weighing 25-35 lbs that allows a neutral grip and offset grips at different angles. Its design is like a long rectangle in the middle section. In this section sit the multi grips. These then taper down into usually fixed collars (they don't spin).
Unlike many other bars, the Swiss bar is almost exclusively for upper-body movements. It allows a neutral grip, which can be great for people with elbow pain or those who want to put more stress on the triceps.
I love using the Body-Solid Extreme Olympic Bar for bench presses, floor presses, and overhead presses from pins since it allows you to choose the grip that best fits your hand size and workout. Its long, loadable sleeve length of 16.5", is perfect for building muscle, and the Olympic-grade construction ensures it can withstand even the most intense workouts.
Needle Bearing Sleeves! A hardy 1,500lb. weight capacity with a tensile strength of 205,000 PSI, this bar is perfect for competition training...
8) Deadlift Bar:
When describing what a deadlift bar is, it's similar to your basic Olympic bars with a little more flex in the bar, also known as "whip." That means they are typically 7 feet (84 inches), weighing 45 lb (20 kg), and with a 27mm to 29mm diameter.
With more whip, the bar will bend more when loaded heavy. When the lifter begins to pull a deadlift up, the weight plates will stay on the ground as the middle part bend. The load will eventually catch and then come off the ground.
When performed correctly, this version should allow more weight to be pulled off the ground with new PRs. Once you pull with a deadlift bar, it'll be hard to go back. My favorite pick is the Titan Series Deadlift Bar, so if you want to up your deadlift game, head over to grab it now.
Made in the USA, the Black Zinc TITAN Series Deadlift Bar is a 20KG, 28.5MM Olympic barbell with an aggressive diamond textured knurl, single knurl marks, and no center knurl...
And if you're looking for more great options, check out our article featuring the 6 Best Deadlift Bars.
9) Axle Bar:
The axle bar is the simplest barbell on this list. It's almost exclusively seen in strength gyms with a population of Strongman athletes.
An axle can come in a wide range of sizes, but its primary feature is a thick bar, usually about 2" in diameter. Most axle bars weigh 45 lb or 20 kg, similar to an Olympic bar.
The second defining feature is the fixed collars. On an axle bar, the collars have zero spins, making lifting weights exponentially harder.
Generally, when inertia builds up, the weight plates will move freely while the bar stays in one place. However, with an axle bar, any inertia that puts force on the weight plates will make the entire bar want to spin.
That said, you can still do almost every movement you'd do with standard bars. Some, such as the continental press, are specific to an axle bar, but sometimes we'll swap bars within the same program just to provide a different stimulus.
One of the good things about the axle bar is its simplicity of design. Because of this, you can easily find them for less than $100, like this Titan Axle Barbell.
Titan Fitness Axle Barbell includes a 1.9-inch fat grip that builds more grip strength and wrist control and will make your lifts more challenging than a standard bar...
10) Cambered Bar:
A cambered bar looks similar to safety squat bars with a straight central part followed by a drop and then angled back out. However, there are no safety arms.
Further, the center section can also vary in length. On some models, the center section is maybe only 1/4-1/3 of the total length. However, on other models, the drop doesn't happen to the very end, where another section is added with just the collars continuing out.
Regardless, the purpose is the same. Instead of being at shoulder level, the weight will sit lower on the body. Not only does this improve mobility in the posterior chain, but it's also much easier on the shoulders.
Further, many lifters find it easier to maintain good form. I like the Titan Cambered Olympic Bench Press Bar, which features a 4-inch drop that keeps the weight plates lower for a stabilized center of gravity, increases your range of motion, and takes the pressure off your wrist, shoulders, and knees when squatting.
Titan Fitness Cambered Barbell includes a 4-inch drop that keeps the weight plates lower for a stabilized center of gravity and has medium diamond-textured knurling for a superior grip....
11) Buffalo Bar:
The buffalo bar has a similar purpose to a cambered bar in that it lowers the level where the weight hangs. However, instead of dropping straight down, the buffalo bar is composed of one large subtle curve.
Generally speaking, weight plates on a buffalo bar will sit so the center is located around the scapula. Some find that the cambered bar is slightly easier on the shoulders.
Other than that, choosing between the buffalo bar and the cambered bar is highly personal. If you prefer a curved version, try the Titan Fitness Yukon Bar.
Titan Fitness Yukon Barbell includes six inches of barbell curvature to help keep your body in pristine form and put an end to back and shoulder pain, while featuring a single knurl mark suitable for heavier power lifts....
12) Log Bar:
A log bar is almost exclusively seen with Strongman. However, it seems to be more common to find one in a commercial gym lately, perhaps due to the rise in popularity of Strongman.
A log bar is basically composed of a large "log" for the centerpiece. This long cylinder comes in different sizes (based on diameter) and weight. There are a lot of variations found in log bars, but we'll list the three most common sizes with the weight of an empty bar.
- 8 inches: 50-60lb
- 10 inches: 70-80lb
- 12 inches: 120-140lbs
The primary purpose of the log bar is to perform a log clean and press and replicates actually lifting a real log. What makes it so challenging is the diameter of the center part, which places the center of gravity away from your chest.
You can use it for just about any other upper-body movement. The center and neutral handles just add a little variation.
If you want to really switch up your workout, Titan is the brand to go to. Check out their 10" Log Bar, which is highly popular amongst real Strongman athletes.
Titan Fitness Log Bar allows for a neutral grip that will alleviate stress on your shoulders while lifting, makes plate loading easier, and consists of heavy-duty steel that can withstand up to 1,000 pounds....
Summary of the 12 Different Types of Barbells
Here's a table summarizing the 12 different barbell types, along with a product recommendation for each.
|
Bar Type |
Description |
Recommended Option |
|
Standard Bar |
Older budget gym option, 6 ft tall, 1" straight shaft, threaded ends, fixed collars |
|
|
Olympic Bar |
New "standard barbell," 7 ft long, 20kg (44 lbs) weight (15kg for women's bars), 28mm diameter shaft, 2-inch rotating collars |
|
|
Powerlifting Bar |
Similar to Olympic bars, stiffer with little whip, some may be longer (up to 7'4"), aggressive knurling along the entire bar, suitable for powerlifting |
|
|
Fixed Bar/EZ Curl Bar |
Shorter bar for barbell curls, straight or EZ-curl shape for angled grip, ability to load weights permanently attached |
|
|
Trap Bar |
Specialty bar for trap bar deadlifts or frame carries, hexagon shape with handles on the inside, weight varies from 45-65 lbs |
|
|
Safety Squat Bar |
Barbell for back squats with a design that lowers center of gravity, padded U-shape with handles, helps maintain upright posture and relieve stress on lower back |
|
|
Swiss Bar |
Multi-grip bar with neutral grip and offset grips at different angles, mainly for upper-body movements |
|
|
Deadlift Bar |
Similar to Olympic bars with more flex or "whip," 7 ft long, 45 lb (20 kg) weight, 27mm to 29mm diameter |
|
|
Axle Bar |
Barbell with a thick bar (2" diameter), fixed collars for Strongman training, can be used for various movements |
|
|
Cambered Bar |
Barbell with a drop and angled shape, lowers weight position, improves mobility in posterior chain and easier on shoulders |
|
|
Buffalo Bar |
Barbell with a subtle curved shape, lowers weight position around the scapula, alternative to cambered bar |
|
|
Log Bar |
Specialty bar for Strongman, large "log" centerpiece, different sizes and weights, primarily used for log clean and press, can be used for other upper-body movements |
Choosing Different Types Of Barbells For Your Home Gym
When choosing different types of barbells for your home gym, your selection will be influenced by your style of lifting, in addition to how much barbells cost.
You'll notice that some barbells provide a new stimulus while some allow entirely new movements. Therefore, in our opinion, if you're trying to get the most bang for your buck, instead of getting three straight barbells that vary in whip, get three unique barbells that allow new movements.
That said, here are our top 3 barbells:
- Olympic Bar: Olympic barbells are the most universal and cover everything. This should generally be everyone's first purchase.
- Safety Squat Bar (SSB): Once you try an SSB, you'll understand. They make heavy-volume squats much more comfortable. You can also perform front squats and Hatfield squats.
- Trap Bar: The trap bar will allow you to do carries and trap bar deadlifts with various set-ups
Bonus: If we could buy a 4th, it would be a Swiss bar. Again, this opens up completely new movements and adds variety to your upper body movements.
Looking for more great options! Check out our round-up of the 15 Best Barbells!
FAQs
Still have more questions? Here are some of your more frequently asked.
How many types of barbells are there?
We've featured 12 different types of barbells, but each distinct type has its own variation. And if you start to get into different materials used, like bamboo for example, you might find that the types of barbells is closer to 14 to 18. Plus, more and more brands are coming out with new types of barbells of their own, so the numbers are only growing.
What barbells do most gyms use?
Most newer gyms will use an Olympic barbell, but older or cheaper gyms might use a standard barbell.
What type of bar is best for squatting?
A powerlifting bar was designed with the squat, bench, and deadlift in mind, so it's probably the best for strict squatting. However, Olympic and standard bars will do the trick as well. If you're looking for a different stimulus, try safety squat bars, cambered bars, and Buffalo bars.
What's the difference in a deadlift bar vs bench bar?
The deadlift bar is typically slightly longer with a bit more whip to allow lifters to pull slack out of it.
What's the difference in a squat bar vs bench bar?
For a straight barbell, there's not much of a difference. But there are variations for each, such as a safety squat bar and a Swiss bar for benching.
What is the best bar for clean and jerk?
An Olympic bar is hands-down the best bar for clean and jerk.
Types Of Weightlifting Bars: Final Takeaways
As you can see, the best barbell for you depends on your experience, training goals, and workout. While many variations exist, you can still get a great, versatile workout with your basic Olympic bar.
Those who want to take their training to the next level, or even those who want a little variety can benefit from other variations.
Regardless, make sure you familiarize yourself with each bar's differences before you throw on a ton of weight, and have fun training. You might be surprised with the results you see when you train with a bar best suited to your goals.
Now that you understand the different types of weightlifting bars and which are best for your goals, check out the 15 Best Barbells For Home Gyms for more great barbell options.
Garett Reid
Author