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10 Best Olympic Bars 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

CAP Barbell Classic 7-Foot Olympic Bar, Chrome - New Version (OBIS-85)

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,318
Knurling
Sleeve Rotation

Most important from
1682 reviews

Knurling
The knurling is perfectly designed, offering just the right amount of grip without being overly abrasive on my hands.
Sleeve Rotation
The smooth rotation of the sleeves has been a game-changer, ensuring efficient and safe execution of my lifts.

The CAP Barbell Classic 7-Foot Olympic Bar is a solid choice for both novice and experienced lifters looking to perform a variety of strength training exercises. Made from cold-rolled steel with a chrome finish, it boasts a robust tensile strength of 63,800 PSI, making it suitable for heavy lifting with a weight limit of 500 pounds. Measuring 7 feet in length and featuring a 30mm grip diameter, this bar is designed to accommodate standard Olympic weight plates, ensuring versatility in your workout routine.

One of the highlights is the medium-depth knurling, which provides a secure grip without being overly aggressive, making it comfortable for extended use. The rotating sleeves equipped with bushings reduce strain on the wrists during lifts, enhancing the lifting experience. Its size and design make it ideal for powerlifting and Olympic lifting, allowing users to target various muscle groups effectively.

Some users may find the weight of 35.26 pounds to be on the heavier side for beginners who are just starting with lifting. While the chrome finish is visually appealing, it may require additional care to prevent rusting if not maintained properly. The CAP Barbell Classic Olympic Bar combines strength and functionality, making it suitable for a wide range of lifters. Its solid construction and thoughtful design features provide a reliable tool for achieving fitness goals, though beginners might need some time to get accustomed to its weight and handling.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,318
Knurling
Sleeve Rotation

Most important from
1682 reviews

Knurling
The knurling is perfectly designed, offering just the right amount of grip without being overly abrasive on my hands.
Sleeve Rotation
The smooth rotation of the sleeves has been a game-changer, ensuring efficient and safe execution of my lifts.
#2

CAP Barbell 5-Foot Solid Olympic Bar, Chrome (2-Inch) (OBIS-60)

Rating
9.6
Knurling
Sleeve Rotation

Most important from
2136 reviews

Knurling
The knurling is perfectly designed, offering just the right amount of grip without being overly abrasive on the hands.
Sleeve Rotation
The smooth rotation of the sleeves ensures efficient and safe execution of lifts.

The CAP Barbell 5-Foot Solid Olympic Bar is a solid choice for those looking to add an Olympic bar to their home gym. Made from high-quality solid cold rolled steel with a chrome finish, this bar is built to last, although it does not come with collars, which you'll need to purchase separately. The medium-depth diamond knurling provides a secure grip, making it comfortable and safe to use during various exercises like bench presses and squats. This bar also features rotating sleeves to help reduce the pressure on your wrists and forearms, which is a nice touch for added comfort during workouts.

With a bar length of 60 inches and a 28-millimeter diameter grip, it’s designed to accommodate standard 2-inch Olympic weights. The tensile strength of 63,800 PSI indicates that the bar is quite durable, and it can hold up to 500 pounds, which should be sufficient for most home gym users. However, for very heavy lifting, you might need a bar with a higher weight limit and tensile strength. At 25 pounds, it's relatively light compared to longer Olympic bars, making it easier to handle and store.

In terms of versatility, it’s suitable for a full-body workout targeting different muscle groups. CAP Barbell, being a well-established brand in the fitness industry, adds to the trustworthiness of this product. Users should consider the shorter length and lower weight limit if they plan on heavy, competitive lifting. Ideal for beginners to intermediate users who want a reliable, well-built bar for a variety of exercises in their home gym.

Rating
9.6
Knurling
Sleeve Rotation

Most important from
2136 reviews

Knurling
The knurling is perfectly designed, offering just the right amount of grip without being overly abrasive on the hands.
Sleeve Rotation
The smooth rotation of the sleeves ensures efficient and safe execution of lifts.
#3

RitFit Olympic Barbell 4FT, 2-inch Weightlifting Bar for Strength Training and Home Gym Black

Rating
9.4
Bar Length
Knurling
Sleeve Rotation

Most important from
443 reviews

Bar Length
Its 4 ft length and diamond grip make workouts more stable and comfortable, especially in small home gyms with limited space.
Knurling
The knurling on the bar provides a secure grip, reducing the risk of slipping and enhancing overall control during exercises.
Sleeve Rotation
The smooth rotation of the sleeves reduces stress on wrists and allows for seamless transitions between movements.

The RitFit 4FT Olympic Barbell is a compact, 25 mm diameter bar suitable for home gyms, especially for accessory work like curls. Its short length (1.2 meters) makes it great for close grip exercises and better balance during these movements. Made of high-quality alloy steel with an oxide finish, it promises durability and comes with a lifetime warranty against bending.

The bar weighs 20 pounds and can handle up to 350 pounds of weight, making it appropriate for both beginners and intermediate lifters. The knurling on the grip provides a secure hold, and the needle bearings ensure smooth and quiet sleeve rotation, which is essential for a more reliable turnover at maximum loads.

However, its shorter length may not be suitable for all weightlifting exercises, and it might not fit standard racks. This barbell is a great option for those who need a compact, durable bar for specific exercises but may not be ideal for those looking for a versatile bar for a wide range of Olympic lifting exercises.

Rating
9.4
Bar Length
Knurling
Sleeve Rotation

Most important from
443 reviews

Bar Length
Its 4 ft length and diamond grip make workouts more stable and comfortable, especially in small home gyms with limited space.
Knurling
The knurling on the bar provides a secure grip, reducing the risk of slipping and enhancing overall control during exercises.
Sleeve Rotation
The smooth rotation of the sleeves reduces stress on wrists and allows for seamless transitions between movements.

Buying Guide for the Best Olympic Bars

Choosing the right Olympic bar is crucial for your weightlifting or powerlifting routine. The right bar can enhance your performance, ensure safety, and provide durability. When selecting an Olympic bar, consider the following key specifications to find the best fit for your needs.
Bar LengthThe length of an Olympic bar typically ranges from 6 to 8 feet. This spec is important because it affects the bar's balance and the amount of weight it can hold. A standard men's bar is usually 7 feet long, while women's bars are around 6.5 feet. If you have limited space or are focusing on specific lifts like the bench press, a shorter bar might be more suitable. For general use and versatility, a 7-foot bar is often the best choice.
Bar WeightOlympic bars come in different weights, with the standard men's bar weighing 20 kg (44 lbs) and the women's bar weighing 15 kg (33 lbs). This spec is important because it ensures you are lifting the correct weight for your training and competition standards. If you are training for Olympic weightlifting or powerlifting, it's essential to use a bar that matches the competition standards. For general fitness, choose a bar weight that aligns with your strength level and training goals.
Bar DiameterThe diameter of an Olympic bar affects your grip and the bar's overall strength. Men's bars typically have a diameter of 28-29 mm, while women's bars are around 25 mm. A thicker bar can be more challenging to grip, which can impact your performance, especially in lifts like the snatch or clean and jerk. Choose a bar diameter that feels comfortable in your hands and allows you to maintain a secure grip throughout your lifts.
KnurlingKnurling refers to the textured pattern on the bar that helps with grip. The depth and pattern of the knurling can vary, with some bars having more aggressive knurling for a better grip and others having a smoother texture. This spec is important for ensuring you can hold onto the bar securely, especially during heavy lifts. If you have sensitive hands or prefer a less aggressive grip, opt for a bar with moderate knurling. For heavy lifting and better grip, choose a bar with more pronounced knurling.
WhipWhip refers to the bar's flexibility and how much it bends under load. This spec is important for dynamic lifts like the clean and jerk or snatch, where a bit of flex can help with the movement. Bars with more whip are preferred for Olympic weightlifting, while stiffer bars are better for powerlifting. Consider the type of lifting you will be doing most often and choose a bar with the appropriate amount of whip for your needs.
Sleeve RotationThe sleeves of an Olympic bar are the parts that hold the weight plates, and their ability to rotate smoothly is crucial for certain lifts. This spec is important because it reduces the stress on your wrists and allows for smoother lifts. Bars with high-quality bearings or bushings in the sleeves will rotate more smoothly. If you are performing a lot of Olympic lifts, look for a bar with good sleeve rotation. For general strength training, this may be less critical, but still beneficial.
Tensile StrengthTensile strength measures how much weight the bar can handle before it bends or breaks, usually indicated in pounds per square inch (PSI). This spec is important for ensuring the durability and safety of the bar. Bars with a tensile strength of 150,000 PSI or higher are considered strong and durable. For heavy lifting and long-term use, choose a bar with a higher tensile strength. For lighter training, a lower tensile strength may be sufficient.

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