The Breakdown
Popular types of bars
Standard
Olympic Weightlifting Bar
Powerlifting Bar
EZ Curl Bar
The Standard Bar
A standard Barbell is the one that you probably see in most commercial gyms. The standard barbell can be used for all weightlifting including deadlifting, squatting, benching, etc… A standard barbell is more than likely going to have a less aggressive knurl and no center knurling as well as a standard weight (45 lbs.) and size (7 ft.). A standard barbell is most likely not going to have any special bushings or bearings.
Features:
Shaft finish: Oxide (Patina)
Sleeve finish: Hard chrome
Knurling: Fine
Bushings: Bronze
Sleeves attached: Dual Snap ring
Center Knurling: None
Weight: 44lbs (20kgs)
The Olympic Weightlifting Bar
The Olympic Weightlifting bar is going to be standardized based on Olympic weightlifting regulations. Olympic weightlifting includes lifts like the “clean and jerk” and “snatch”. In order to do these lifts without risk of injury the barbell needs to meet specific whip, knurling, rotation, and grip requirements. A good Olympic bar should have an increased whip meaning the bar should be able to bend slightly without breaking in half. The bar should have a less aggressive but medium knurl so that when the bar is spinning in the hands it is not tearing the skin. The sleeves should have bushings that have a controlled stop and the grip should be marked wider in regulation with the Olympic standard lifts.
Features:
Made in the U.S.A & lab tested yield strength of 213,300 P.S.I
Maintenance free
Shaft finish: Cerakote Rust-resistant
Sleeve finish: Bright Zinc
Knurling: Medium Dual Grip w/no center knurling
Bushings: Bronze, Self-lubricating
Weight: Men's 45lbs, Women's 35lbs
Features:
Made in the U.S.A & lab tested yield strength of 213,300 P.S.I.
Maintenance free
Shaft Finish: Black Oxide
Sleeve Finish: Bright zinc
Knurling: Medium Dual Grip w/ no center knurling
Bushings: Bronze, Self-lubricating
Weight: 45lbs (20.41kgs)
The Powerlifting Bar
A Powerlifting bar is going to need to be able to withstand much more weight than your average barbell, this means the bar is going to have a less flexible whip and a way higher tensile strength. A higher tensile strength means the bar will have little to no bend and will also be able to withstand a ton of weight. You may be thinking this is not a good thing because we mentioned how a flexible whip is important to have in the Olympic bar, but for powerlifting since you are not snatching or cleaning the bar, it is essential for the bar to not bounce or bend to prevent injury while doing standard lifts like deadlifting, squats, and bench because you are typically lifting much more weight. The knurling on the powerlifting bars are usually quite a bit more aggressive and intense because of the amount of weight being lifted and how important it is to maintain grip on the bar.
Features:
Made in the U.S.A & lab tested yield strength of 202,800 P.S.I.
It sports a very aggressive knurl pattern and bronze, oil impregnated bushings for a smooth, maintenance free spin.
Shaft Finish: Bright Zinc
Sleeve Finish: Bright zinc
Knurling: Very Aggressive CENTER knurl
Dual knurl marks - For Powerlifting or Olympic Lifting
Bushings: Bronze, Self-lubricating
The EZ Curl Bar
The EZ Curl bar is made for specifically bicep and triceps curls. The curl of the bar minimizes wrist and elbow pain, as well as shoulder pain while performing various lifts. A good EZ Curl bar should be no more than 10 lbs. and have medium knurling.
Features:
Bar length: 47 in.
Knurling: Deep Diamond Knurling
Sleeve Attached: Roll Pin
Product Weight: 17.2 lbs.
Shaft Diameter: 27mm
Shaft Finish: Chrome or Black
Now that you have an understanding of barbells and which one might be best for you, don’t hesitate to email marketing@troybarbell.com for more information or visit our website troyfitness.com for a quote.
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