Barbell Centre Knurling – What is it For?

If you're browsing barbells looking for the perfect bar for you, you've probably noticed by now that some barbells have knurling in the centre of the shaft, and others don't. We currently have 3 barbells featuring this centre knurling: the Weight Training Barbell, the Competition Olympic Barbell, and our Stainless Steel Power Bar. So, what is the centre knurl for, exactly?

Why do Some Barbells have Centre Knurling?

Some barbells have centre knurling to provide a better grip during squats. This extra bit of grip, provided by the centre knurl, helps keep the bar in place on your back during back squats and on your chest for front squats.

Powerlifters usually prefer to have centre knurling barbells because they want the extra traction between themselves and the barbell. So, for example, when lining up the barbell on their backs, they're looking for an extra bind and no slippage. And, although they're a bit of a thing of the past, we are certainly aware there are lifters out there who still dabble with a few one-armed lifts, like one-arm deadlifts, for which the centre knurl is essential.

Should I get a Barbell with Centre Knurling?

Well, our first response would be: why not get one centre knurling barbell and one barbell without? Though, of course, you might expect us to say that!

If you are planning on only buying one barbell, the best answer we could give would be to consider your lifting goals carefully. For example, if squats will form a big part of your training, or if you're simply a powerlifting enthusiast, then we'd recommend you look for a barbell WITH a centre knurl.

For a functional workout or CrossFit WODs, you may prefer a barbell without the centre knurl due to the repetition of movements. For example, catching the barbell repeatedly during cleans can begin to irritate your collarbones over the course of a high-rep workout. We also know many people like to lift without a shirt, which means no barrier between your skin and that centre knurl; this can take its toll. Our barbells without a centre knurl are our Evolution Barbell and our Team Barbell.

A lot of lifters get on just fine without a centre knurl, even when squatting. However, many people use a centre knurled barbell for the first time and find it a bit of a game-changer for their lifts, especially low-bar squats. That said, some people try it for the first time and don't get on with the centre knurl, even for squats.

If you can only have one bar? We'd probably recommend you go with a bar with a centre knurl. For many weightlifters, if they aren't getting on with the centre knurl, they will use a bit of athletic tape around the knurl to take the edge off for repeating Olympic lifts. That way, when you're looking to lift heavy, you'll still have that centre knurl available to you to help you smash those PRs on squats. It's better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it, after all!

However, probably the best advice would be that if you can try out a centre knurling barbell and a barbell without a centre knurl before making a purchase, this would be ideal. This way, you can get a feel for what your personal preference might be.

Any Other Questions about our Barbells?

If you want to know more about our barbells, check out our barbell buying guide (information on our Competition and Power barbells will be coming to the guide soon) or check out the individual product pages for all our barbells. Alternatively, get in contact with our team if you have any further questions.

Already have one of our bars? Follow us on social media and tag us in any images of our gear; we love to see it in action!