Barbell Buying Guide
Buying Guide
How To Choose A Barbell
Spin, knurl, whip, finish: here's what the specs mean, which bar suits your training, and how our range compares.
What To Look For In A Barbell
Compare Our Barbells
All our Olympic bars take 2-inch (50mm) Olympic plates.
| Barbell | Best for | Weight | Spin | Knurl | Finish | Max load | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team Barbell 2.0Silver, black, black and silver | Olympic lifts and all-round strength | 20kg or 15kg | Needle + ball bearings | Medium | Zinc / black zinc | 300kg (20kg bar) | 2 years |
| Evolution Barbell | High-volume training, gyms stocking up | 20kg or 15kg | Ball bearings + bushings | Softer | Bright zinc | 300kg (20kg) · 205kg (15kg) | 1 year |
| Power Barbell Stainless Steel | Squat, bench, deadlift | 20kg | See product page | Medium-aggressive | Stainless steel | 680kg | 2 years |
| Technique Training Barbell | Learning the lifts | 7kg | See product page | See product page | See product page | 30kg of bumpers | 1 year |
Specs are from each product page and our warranty information. Speciality bars carry 6 months' warranty. Keep within the max load, and drop loaded bars only with bumper plates on gym flooring at least 20mm thick.
The Range
All-rounder
Team Barbell 2.0
- 209,000 PSI tensile strength
- Needle and ball bearings for a smooth spin
- 20kg or 15kg; silver, black or black and silver
Best value
Evolution Barbell
- 209,000 PSI, IWF knurl marks
- Softer knurl for high-rep work
- Ideal when you're buying several bars
Powerlifting
Power Barbell Stainless Steel
- Stiff 29mm shaft, 680kg max load
- Stainless steel: grippy and low maintenance
- 20kg
Speciality
Safety Squat Bar
- Padded yoke takes strain off shoulders and wrists
- Three grip options
- Good for lifters with limited mobility
Speciality
Open Trap Bar
- Open back: step in and out easily
- 300kg rating with 2-inch plates
- Deadlifts, carries and shrugs
Speciality
Rackable EZ Curl Bar
- 188cm long, with straight sections to rack it
- Easier on the wrists for curls and extensions
- Takes Olympic plates
Starting from scratch? Our barbell and plate packages pair a Team or Evolution bar with bumper plates.
FAQs
What's the difference between the Team and Evolution bars?
Both are rated at 209,000 PSI. The Team Barbell 2.0 uses needle and ball bearings for a smoother spin and has a medium knurl, so it's the better choice for regular Olympic lifting. The Evolution has ball bearings with bushings and a softer knurl, and is our best-value bar for high-volume training.
Should I buy a 15kg or 20kg bar?
The 20kg bar is the standard for most lifters. The 15kg bar is shorter, with a thinner shaft that suits smaller hands, and is the standard women's bar in weightlifting.
How long are the bars?
20kg bars are 2.2m (86.5 inches). 15kg bars are 2.03m (80 inches). The Rackable EZ Curl Bar is 188cm. Check your space allows room either side for loading plates.
How do I stop my bar rusting?
Keep it indoors in a dry room, brush chalk out of the knurl, and wipe the shaft and sleeves with a light coat of oil now and then. Our barbell maintenance guide runs through it.
Can I drop the bar?
Only when it's loaded with bumper plates, onto shock-absorbing gym flooring at least 20mm thick. Don't drop it loaded with iron plates, onto benches, boxes or safeties, or onto a bare floor.
More Buying Guides
Planning the rest of your gym? Start here.
Not Sure Which To Choose?
Tell us about your space, your training and your budget, and we'll point you to the right kit. We're here Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm (UK time). Kitting out a gym or studio? Our design team can plan it with you, or you can try our free 3D gym planner.