Types of Barbells – Introduction
What are the various types of barbells at the gym, and how do you select the right one for you?
While they’re easy to take for granted, the barbell is probably the most essential strength training tool.
Add some collars, weights, a bench, and a squat rack; you have everything you need to build muscle, get stronger, lose weight, or get fit.
Barbells are some of the most versatile tools for resistance training, from increasing strength and power to maximizing your home gym setup.
But did you know there’s more than one kind of barbell, each designed with a specific purpose?
So, if you are in the market to buy a weight bar, you must know the different kinds available to get the right barbell for your needs.
This guide covers the 12 most common types of barbells to help you find the best fit for your fitness goals.
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Common Types of Barbells 101
Here are the 12 main types of barbells you will likely find in a home or commercial gym:
#1. Standard Weightlifting Barbell: Affordable Option for Beginners
Barbells don’t come much more basic than a standard barbell.
The standard weightlifting barbell is ideal for beginners and those setting up a home gym.
This basic barbell doesn’t have rotating sleeves but is perfect for lighter lifts and affordable setups.
Standard bars, made to accommodate plates with a one-inch hole, are available in a range of lengths, typically four to seven feet.
Standard weightlifting barbells are relatively cheap and often found in home gyms.
However, they aren’t usually strong enough for heavy deadlifts or squats and will bend if overloaded.
This bar is okay for beginners or anyone who doesn’t take their strength training too seriously.
However, if you have aspirations of lifting heavy weights, this is probably NOT the barbell for you.
#2. Olympic Barbell: Perfect for Olympic Lifts and Powerlifting
Olympic barbells, known for their high tensile strength and compliance with international weightlifting federation standards, are essential for Olympic weightlifting exercises such as cleans and snatches.
Olympic barbells are made for Olympic lifting, although they can be used for other exercises, including squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and power cleans.
They are made to take weight plates with two-inch holes and are flexible to provide “whip” during explosive lifting.
The ends or sleeves of Olympic barbells rotate, taking stress off your hands and wrists during cleans and jerks.
Olympic bars are not as heavily knurled as other types of bars.
The men’s Olympic barbells are 7 feet long and weigh 20kg/44 lbs, whereas the women’s Olympic barbells are 6.6 feet long and weigh 15kg/33 lbs.
#3. Powerlifting Bar: Ideal for Heavy Squats and Deadlifts
Power bars, AKA powerlifting bars, are similar to Olympic bars and are usually the same size and weight.
However, they tend to be a little stiffer, have a larger weight capacity, and have more aggressive knurling for a more secure grip.
Power bars also have knurling in the center of the bar for squats, although some are available without.
Like Olympic barbells, power bars accommodate weight plates with two-inch holes.
A proper powerlifting barbell is ideal for back squats and handling heavy weights in powerlifting routines.
Powerlifting Bar at a Gym – Image Credit: HashiMashi.com
#4. Trap Bar (Hex Bar): Great for Deadlifts and Shrugs
Trap bars were invented in the early 1980s by powerlifter Al Gerard.
The trap bar, also known as a hex bar, is designed for deadlifts and shrugs.
Its hexagonal frame allows you to stand inside the bar between two parallel handles, which places the weight closer to your center of gravity, reducing back strain.
However, deadlifting with a trap bar feels a lot like doing squats as your torso is more upright, and your quads are more involved than conventional or sumo deadlifts.
Also known as hex bars, shrug bars, and Gerard bars, trap bars can also be used for a few upper body exercises, such as;
- floor presses,
- bent-over rows, and
- overhead presses, but they are not as versatile as regular barbells.
There is also a variation called the open trap bar, which has an open side instead of a fully closed hexagon.
This design provides more flexibility for movements like lunges and carries, where a closed frame might limit the range of motion.
The open design also allows lifters to move more freely, making it a versatile option for those looking to vary their training.
See how to train your entire body using a hex bar in this article: The 8 Best Trap Bar Exercises for Full Body Strength + Workout
#5. EZ Curl Bar: Targeted for Bicep and Tricep Workouts
EZ curl bars have bends in them to provide a variety of hand positions.
Typically used for biceps and triceps exercises, EZ curl bars can also be used for rows and presses but are less useful for squats and deadlifts.
EZ curl bars are usually shorter and lighter than even standard barbells and, depending on their design, can accommodate one-inch or two-inch plates.
The EZ bar is best considered an addition to and not a replacement for something like a standard or Olympic barbell.
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#6. Safety Squat Bar: Shoulder-Friendly for Squats
Safety squat bars are made for doing squats and are not suitable for much else.
You can do good mornings, lunges, and step-ups with this bar type, but you cannot use one for upper body exercises.
A safety squat bar is not unlike an old-fashioned yoke.
It drapes over your shoulders, and the ends of the bar hang down and forward, which means you have to work harder to keep your torso upright.
This safety bar is ideal for back squats, reducing strain on the lower back with extra shoulder support.
As such, powerlifters use safety bar squats as a squat assistance exercise.
This barbell type is also helpful if you have sore shoulders and find it hard to reach back and hold the bar during squats and good mornings.
There are handles on either side of the shoulder bars; you can even do safety squats without holding the bar.
This is a very specialist piece of equipment and not as versatile as a regular straight barbell.
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#7. Swiss Bar (Football Bar): Best for Upper Body Training
A Swiss bar, also known as a football bar, is designed for upper-body training.
It provides lots of different hand positions, most of which are parallel.
A parallel grip is often more shoulder-friendly than the more common pronated (overhand) or supinated (underhand) grips for bench presses, overhead presses, and bent-over rows.
While Swiss bars are useful, they are best considered an addition to your regular barbell if you still want to do squats, deadlifts, and lunges for lower body training.
However, a Swiss bar is an excellent addition to your training toolbox if you want to reduce shoulder stress during upper-body workouts.
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#8. Log Bar: Strongman’s Choice for Presses and Cleans
If you have ever watched a strongman competition, you will undoubtedly have seen a log bar in use.
As their name suggests, they have a parallel grip and look just like a log.
Some are even made of wood.
Log bars are mainly used for cleans and overhead presses, although they could also be used for rows.
They are a very specialized type of bar, and unless you are a strongman or strongwoman in training, you probably won’t need a log bar.
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#9. Deadlift Bar: Optimized for Deadlifting
Unsurprisingly, deadlift bars are made for deadlifting!
That doesn’t mean you can’t use them for squats, bench presses, overhead presses, and power cleans, but they are specially designed to maximize your deadlift performance.
However, some deadlift bars are not supposed to be placed in a squat or power rack, which could damage them.
Deadlift bars are super strong and flex more than other types of power bars, making the initial pull off the floor a little easier.
They also tend to be slightly thinner to allow for a better grip.
While you can squat using a deadlift bar, it’s worth noting that these barbells don’t usually have knurling in the middle.
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See the 5 Best Deadlift Bars on The Market Today for more details on specifications and options.
#10. Multipurpose Barbell: Versatile for All Types of Training
If you want to do powerlifting, weightlifting, and bodybuilding training but don’t want to buy different barbells for each type of workout, a multipurpose bar could be your best choice.
Multipurpose bars are great all-rounders that can be used for any type of strength training.
They’re not as flexible as a deadlift bar or as whippy as an Olympic bar, but they’re strong enough for hardcore workouts and should provide many years of faithful service.
A multipurpose bar can be used for cleans, snatches, deadlifts, squats, and other barbell exercises.
A multipurpose barbell is a versatile tool for a wide range of weight training exercises, supporting various fitness goals.
They’re ideal for CrossFit and home gyms, too.
Rich “Hashimashi” deadlifting with a multipurpose bar
#11. Cambered Bar: Ideal for squats, improving lower back and leg strength
Like the safety squat bar, cambered bars are designed for squats and unsuitable for other barbell exercises.
With a cambered bar, the weights hang down by your hips, giving you a lower center of gravity and increasing lower back, glute, and hamstring engagement.
Also, you hold the bar low by your sides, taking stress off your shoulders.
Powerlifters use cambered specialty bar squats as an assistance exercise to increase their squat performance.
Still, unless you are training for powerlifting or bad shoulders prevent you from doing regular squats, this specialist barbell probably will not benefit you much.
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#12. Axle Barbell: Build Grip Strength with Fat Grip Design
Most types of barbells are designed so you can grip them tightly.
They aren’t too thick or thin and have knurling to stop your hands from slipping.
Axle bars are the opposite!
Also known as thick or fat bars, axle bars have a greater diameter and are usually smooth.
Axle bars do not have rotating collars and don’t flex much.
This makes them harder to lift and grip, which increases forearm strength and size.
An axle bar can be used for most strength training exercises, but it is best for curls, rows, and presses.
While you can deadlift an axle bar, your grip will probably be the limiting factor, and that could make your workout less productive.
Axle bars provide a challenging workout but aren’t suited for full-time training.
However, adding an axle bar to your collection of barbells would be an excellent way to increase workout variety.
Axle bar deadlifts
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FAQs
#1. What are the different types of barbells?
There are many kinds of barbells, including standard, Olympic, powerlifting, trap, and specialty bars like the Swiss bar and safety squat bar.
Each type serves a unique purpose, from general strength training to targeted lifts.
#2. Which barbell is best for home gyms?
The best barbell for a home gym depends on your training goals.
A multipurpose barbell is a great all-rounder for various lifts, while an Olympic bar offers more flexibility for dynamic exercises.
Trap bars are also popular for safe deadlifts in limited spaces.
#3. What is the difference between a powerlifting bar and an Olympic bar?
Powerlifting bars are stiffer and have aggressive knurling for a strong grip, making them ideal for heavy squats and deadlifts.
Olympic bars are more flexible, with rotating sleeves to accommodate explosive movements like cleans and snatches.
#4. How do I choose the best barbell for my goals?
Consider your specific goals—whether it’s strength training, Olympic lifting, or powerlifting.
Choose a barbell that aligns with those goals, such as a powerlifting bar for heavy lifts or an Olympic bar for dynamic movements.
Types of Barbells – Wrapping Up
Buying your first barbell is daunting, as there are so many different types of barbells available.
After all, your barbell should last many years, so you could be stuck with your purchase for a long time!
How to Choose a Barbell
The best way to choose a barbell is to work backward from your training goals.
Decide what you want from a bar, then select the model that matches your needs.
If you’re going to specialize in deadlifts, a deadlifting or power bar would be your best choice.
But an Olympic weightlifting bar should serve you well if you want to do the Olympic lifts.
If you cannot decide, maybe because you do CrossFit or enjoy all types of strength training, you can’t go wrong with a multipurpose bar.
Once you’ve chosen your main bar, you might want to add a specialist bar to your training armory to increase workout variety.
A safety squat bar will add a new dimension to your lower body workouts, whereas a Swiss bar would do the same for your upper body training.
Or, if you want to pump up your arms, what about an EZ curl bar?
Barbells are tools, so just choose the best tool for the job.
Recommended Barbells
- Best Standard Barbell for Beginners: Signature Fitness Standard Weightlifting Bar
- Best Olympic Barbell for Weightlifting: CAP Barbell Classic 7-Foot Olympic Bar
- Best Powerlifting Bar for Squats and Deadlifts: CAP 7-Foot Rebel Powerlifting Bar
- Best Trap Bar for Deadlifts and Shrugs: HulkFit Olympic 2-Inch Hex Weightlifting Trap Bar
- Best EZ Curl Bar for Arm Workouts: Everyday Essentials Olympic Super Curl Bar
- Best Safety Squat Bar for Shoulder-Friendly Squats: Happybuy Olympic Safety Squat Bar
- Best Swiss Bar for Upper Body Training: Synergee Multi-Grip Swiss Bar
- Best Log Bar for Strongman Presses and Cleans: Titan Fitness Rackable Strongman Log Bar
- Best Deadlift Bar for Maximum Performance: Valor Fitness Olympic Deadlift Bar
- Best Multipurpose Barbell for General Training: Prosource Fit Olympic Barbell Multipurpose Weightlifting Bar
- Best Cambered Bar for Squats and Lower Back Engagement: Titan Rackable Camber Bar
- Best Axle Bar for Grip Training: Titan Fitness Axle Barbell
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