Start here Buying guide
6 Best Olympic Barbells
Looking for the best olympic barbells? We compare 6 top picks on quality, footprint, specs and value – plus who each one is really for.
Coming soonBarbells and weight plates
The bar and plates are where much of a strength budget goes, and they last for decades if you buy well. These guides cover Olympic barbells, trap bars, specialty bars, bumper and iron plates, collars and plate storage, with notes on which suits your lifts and your floor.
Start here
What to look for
The four things that separate a good buy from a return.
Bar type and sleeves
Match the bar to your lifts: a general-purpose bar suits most, while power and specialty bars do one job well.
Knurling and finish
Grip texture and coating affect comfort and rust resistance, which matters in an unheated garage.
Bumper or iron plates
Bumpers are made to be dropped and protect floors; iron plates are thinner and usually cheaper per pound.
Storage
Plate trees, rack pegs and wall storage keep weight off the floor and your space safer.
Everything in barbells and weight plates
Guides on our list, highest priority first. Titles become links as each guide is published.
Buying guides
- 6 Best Texas Power BarbellsBuying guide
- 11 Best Lightweight BarbellsBuying guide
- 8 Best Barbell Pads for Hip ThrustBuying guide
- 12 Best Barbells for Weight TrainingBuying guide
- Best Budget Trap Bars Under $200Buying guide
- 10 Best Padding for BarbellBuying guide
- 7 Best Bells of Steel BarbellsBuying guide
- 12 Best Lightweight Trap BarsBuying guide
and 39 more planned
Reviews
- Rogue Tb-2 Trap Bar ReviewReview
- Rogue Trap Bar ReviewReview
- Bumper Plates Rogue Fitness ReviewReview
- Rogue Weight Plates ReviewReview
- Bowflex Barbell ReviewReview
- Titan Fitness Weight Plates ReviewReview
- Fringe Sport Bumper Plates ReviewReview
- Rogue Fitness Hex Bar ReviewReview
and 4 more planned
Comparisons
- Trap Bar Deadlift vs Barbell: Key Differences & Which Is BetterComparison
- Olympic Weight Plates vs Standard: Which Should You Buy?Comparison
- Trap Bar Deadlift vs RDL: Key Differences & Which Is BetterComparison
- Hex Bar vs Trap Bar: Which Should You Buy?Comparison
- Bumper Plates vs Iron: Which Should You Buy?Comparison
- Bumper Plates vs Regular: Which Should You Buy?Comparison
- Trap Bar Squat vs Back Squat: Key Differences & Which Is BetterComparison
- Trap Bar Deadlift vs Straight Bar: Key Differences & Which Is BetterComparison
and 3 more planned
How-to and setup
- How to Barbell RowHow-to
- How to Make DIY Bumper Plates at HomeHow-to
- 8 Weight Plates Storage Ideas (With Layouts & Costs)Setup
- How to Remove Rust from Weight PlatesHow-to
- How Are Bumper Plates MadeHow-to
Questions and specs
- EZ Curl Barbell WeightSpecs
- Preacher Curl Bar WeightSpecs
- Rogue Trap Bar WeightSpecs
- How to Count Trap Bar Weight in Your Deadlift TotalQuestion
- How Much Does a Barbell Weigh? (Exact Numbers + Chart)Specs
- Standard Barbell Weight PlatesSpecs
- How Much Does an EZ Barbell Weigh? (Exact Numbers + Chart)Specs
- How Much Does an Olympic Barbell Weigh? (Exact Numbers + Chart)Specs
and 32 more planned
Not sure what fits?
Check your ceiling clearance or answer three questions to find the right guide.
Related categories
- StrengthRacks, rigs and Smith machinesPower racks, squat stands, Smith machines and the attachments that fit them.
- StrengthDumbbells and kettlebellsAdjustable and fixed dumbbells, kettlebells and racks.
- StrengthBenchesFlat, adjustable and combo benches, sized for small rooms.
- StrengthCable machines and functional trainersFunctional trainers, lat pulldowns and rack-mounted pulleys.
- StrengthLeg and selectorized machinesLeg press, hack squat and pin-loaded machines for home use.
- CardioTreadmills and walking padsFolding, incline and under-desk treadmills and walking pads.
- CardioExercise and spin bikesSpin, recumbent and air bikes, with and without subscriptions.
- CardioRowing machinesAir, water and magnetic rowers, and how much floor they take.