[Professionals' Selection] 8 Recommended Barbells | 9 Points to Consider When Choosing

• July 14 2024

"I'm thinking about buying a barbell, but I'm not sure which one to get."
"I want to train at home, but which barbell do you recommend?"

When you start looking to buy a barbell, you will find that there are many different types available from many manufacturers, so many people may be worried about which one to buy.

Here are some barbells we recommend:

[Our website's carefully selected] Recommended barbells

Recommended Use	Maker	Product name	price
Training focused on the BIG3	REP Fitness	Delta Basic Bar	32,900 yen (tax included)
	REP Fitness	Double Black Diamond Power Bar	51,800 yen (tax included)
Commercial Gym	REP Fitness	Colorado Bar	57,300 yen (tax included)
	IVANKO	Standard Olympic Bar 20kg	63,800 yen (tax included)
Powerlifter	REP Fitness	Double Black Diamond Power Bar	51,800 yen (tax included)
	ELEIKO	IPF Stainless Powerlifting Training Bar	196,100 yen (tax included)
Weightlifting Athlete	REP Fitness	Mesa Technique Bar	29,900 yen (tax included)
	ELEIKO	Weightlifting Training Bar	213,100 yen (tax included)

A barbell is a "weight" used in weightlifting and powerlifting competitions, and is divided into the shaft, which is the bar part, and the plates, which are the weight part.

The shaft, which is the bar part, is generally called a "barbell" and the plates are called "barbell plates."

Apart from the sports mentioned above, barbells are also widely used in weight training, and recently an increasing number of people are keeping barbells at home and training.

When purchasing a barbell, it is important to choose one based on your intended use and the type of training you will be doing .

If you purchase based only on price and reviews, you may find that it is difficult to use, you are unable to do the training you want, or you are unable to use it for long.

In this article, we will explain in detail how to choose a barbell and tell you the checkpoints to look for when choosing a barbell. Based on that, we will introduce a carefully selected list of barbells that we recommend on this site.

Key points of this article

How to choose a barbell based on your purpose Learn the key points to avoid when choosing a barbell Find out which barbells are best suited for your purpose

By reading this article to the end, you will know how to choose the barbell that suits you best based on your purpose and find recommended products.

If you are thinking about buying a barbell, please use this as a reference.

1. [Based on the intended use] Here are the recommended barbell specifications!

As mentioned at the beginning, when choosing a barbell, it is important to choose one based on the purpose of use and the type of training you will be doing.

Here's how to choose a barbell based on your purpose:

[Recommended barbell specifications for different uses]

spec	Powerlifting BIG3 Center	Weightlifting	Multipurpose
Shaft diameter	29mm	28mm	28.5 mm
Knurling	Mountain type	Volcano type Hill type	Volcano type Hill type
Shaft mark position	81cm line	91cm line	Both marked
Sleeve rotation mechanism	Bushing	Needle Bearing	Bushing

When choosing a barbell, refer to the table above and check the necessary specifications based on your purpose and training type.

Here we will explain in detail the required specifications for different purposes.

We will introduce the barbells that we recommend based on the recommended specifications in Chapter 3. If you would like to know the recommended products first, please see the products by link according to the intended use.

1-1. Powerlifting/Training with a focus on the BIG3

If you are doing powerlifting or BIG3 focused training, we recommend choosing a barbell with the following specifications.

[Powerlifting/Big 3 focused training | Recommended barbell specs]

spec	Powerlifting BIG3 Center
Shaft diameter	29mm
Knurling	Mountain type
Shaft mark position	81cm line
Sleeve rotation mechanism	Bushing

In powerlifting competitions, there are regulations for barbells set by the IPF (International Powerlifting Federation).

The IPF regulations for barbells primarily dictate the shaft diameter and the position of the shaft marks.

We will go into more detail about the specifications in Chapter 2 , but if you are looking for a barbell to use for training in weightlifting competitions, it is important to choose one that complies with the IPF regulations .

In addition, barbells that meet IPF specifications are recommended for those who perform heavy weights in the BIG 3 muscle training exercises (squat, bench press, and deadlift).

With these specifications, when doing squats or bench press training, the end of the shaft is less likely to swing, so no extra load is placed on it, and the strong grip means you can train safely.

1-2. When doing weightlifting

If you are considering purchasing a barbell for weightlifting training, be sure to choose one with the following specifications:

[Weightlifting Training | Recommended Specifications]

spec	Weightlifting
Shaft diameter	28mm
Knurling	Volcano type Hill type
Shaft mark position	91cm line
Sleeve rotation mechanism	Needle Bearing

In weightlifting competitions, there are regulations for barbells used in weightlifting competitions set by the IWF (International Weightlifting Federation).

The IWF's regulations for barbells mainly dictate the shaft diameter and the position of the shaft marks.

We will go into more detail about specifications in Chapter 2 , but if you are purchasing a barbell for training in weightlifting competitions, it is important to choose a barbell that meets IWF regulations.

With these specifications, the barbell will flex more, so the grip will come off the floor a little more when performing cleans and snatches, making it easier to pull up.

For this reason, these specifications are recommended not only for competitive weightlifters, but also for those who incorporate weightlifting exercises such as the clean and snatch into their training .

1-3. When used for multiple purposes such as a commercial gym

If you are looking for a barbell to use in a commercial gym, we recommend a barbell that is versatile and can be used for any type of training.

Please refer to the following specifications when making your selection.

spec	Multipurpose
Shaft diameter	28.5 mm
Knurling	Volcano type Hill type
Shaft mark position	Both marked
Sleeve rotation mechanism	Bushing

With the above specs, you will be able to perform both powerlifting and weightlifting events comfortably.

For this reason, it is recommended when introducing barbells to places such as commercial gyms or school facilities where users have different training goals, or for people who are new to weight training and have not yet decided on a training style .

We will go into more detail about the specifications in Chapter 2 , so be sure to check that out.

2. 9 things to check when choosing a barbell

We have explained the recommended specifications based on the intended use, but when choosing a barbell, be sure to also check the following nine points.

[Points to check when choosing a barbell]

(1) Types of barbells (2) Shaft diameter (3) Knurling (4) Shaft mark position (5) Sleeve rotation mechanism (6) Sleeve style (7) Sleeve surface treatment (8) Shaft surface treatment (9) Tensile strength

When you search for barbells on a shopping site, you will find many manufacturers and products, and many people will not know which one to choose.

If you buy something because it's cheap or has good reviews, there are many cases where it doesn't suit you and you end up with a failure.

To avoid this, make sure you understand the checkpoints and choose a barbell that suits you.

I will explain each one in detail.

2-1.(1) Types of barbells

There are two main types of barbells. There are differences between them, as shown in the table below.

[Types and differences of barbells]

	Olympic Shaft	Standard Shaft
Shaft diameter	28-29mm	28mm
Sleeve Diameter	50mm	28mm
length	220cm (women's: 200cm)	Many are short
weight	20kg (women's: 15kg)	Around 10kg
price	Several tens of thousands of yen to several hundred thousand yen	Many are inexpensive
Recommended People	For serious training and those handling heavy weights	People who do not handle heavy loads and want to keep prices low

Understand the differences between each type and choose the type of barbell that's right for you.

I will explain each one in detail.

2-1-1.Olympic shaft

The Olympic shaft refers to the barbells used in weightlifting and powerlifting competitions, but all barbells found in general commercial gyms are also Olympic shafts.

Olympic shafts generally refer to barbells with the following specifications:

[Olympic shaft specifications]

	Olympic Shaft
Shaft diameter	28-29mm
Sleeve Diameter	50mm
length	220cm (women's: 200cm)
weight	20kg (women's: 15kg)
price	Several tens of thousands of yen to several hundred thousand yen
Recommended People	For serious training and those handling heavy weights

The weight is standardized at 20 kg (15 kg for women), so there is no problem in calculating the weight when the plates are attached.

In addition, the part where the barbell plates are attached is called a sleeve, and the sleeve diameter of an Olympic shaft is fixed at 50 mm and has a rotation mechanism as shown below.

The rotation mechanism will be explained in detail in “ 2-5. (5) Sleeve Rotation Mechanism ”, but the rotation mechanism stabilizes the barbell when lifting and allows for precise control of the weight when weightlifting.

Therefore, if you want to do serious training or are thinking about training with heavy weights, you should choose an Olympic shaft.

2-1-2.Standard shaft

Standard shafts are thinner than Olympic shafts, and the sleeve part where the plate is attached is also thinner.

The general characteristics of a standard shaft are as follows:

[Standard shaft specifications]

	Standard Shaft
Shaft diameter	28mm
Sleeve Diameter	28mm
length	Many are short
weight	Around 10kg
price	Many are inexpensive
Recommended People	People who do not handle heavy loads and want to keep prices low

Standard shafts are characterized by being thin and light, and many of them have low strength.

Therefore, it is recommended for those who are new to training and do not usually lift heavy weights .

It is also cheaper to purchase than the Olympic shaft.

However, please note that only 28mm diameter plates can be attached to the standard shaft.

Many of the barbell plates sold are designed to be used with Olympic shafts and may not fit standard shafts.

Also, since the shaft length will be shorter, it may not be possible to use it with some power racks, so be sure to check carefully before purchasing.

2-2.(2) Shaft diameter

When choosing a barbell, be sure to check the shaft diameter.

The shaft diameter refers to the diameter of the shaft part, as shown in the figure below.

The recommended shaft diameter varies depending on the training purpose, so please refer to the table below when selecting. However, for standard shafts, only shaft diameter 28mm is available.

[Shaft diameter | Recommended specifications]

Powerlifting and BIG3 focus	29mm
Weightlifting	28mm
Multipurpose	28.5 mm

The most common diameters for Olympic shafts are 29mm, 28.5mm, and 28mm.

We will explain the characteristics of each in detail.

2-2-1.29mm | Recommended for powerlifting and BIG3 training

29mm is the same diameter as a powerlifting barbell.

Because the shaft is stiff and has little flex, the end of the shaft is less likely to touch the ground when performing exercises such as squats and bench presses, so no extra strain is placed on the body.

Therefore, 29mm is recommended for powerlifters as well as anyone who lifts heavy BIG3 weights .

2-2-2.28mm | Recommended for weightlifting training

28mm is the same diameter as a competitive weightlifting barbell.

Compared to the 29mm, it has a greater flexibility. The greater flexibility makes it easier to pull up the barbell.

Therefore , 28mm is recommended for weightlifters and those who train in weightlifting exercises such as the clean and snatch .

2-2-3.28.5mm | Recommended for those who do various types of training for various purposes

The 28.5mm is a versatile barbell designed for any type of training.

Therefore, people who want to do a variety of training exercises or beginners who haven't yet decided on a training exercise should choose 28.5mm .

2-3.(3) Knurling

Knurling is the rough part of the shaft that acts as an anti-slip measure.

There are three main types of knurling: mountain type, volcano type, and hill type.

When choosing a barbell, the type of knurling recommended varies depending on the type of training , so be sure to check carefully. The following are our recommendations:

[Knurling | Recommended specifications]

Powerlifting and BIG3 focus	Mountain type
Weightlifting/Multipurpose	Volcano type/Hill type

Understand the characteristics of each and choose the knurling that suits you.

2-3-1. Mountain type

The mountain type is characterized by its extremely uneven surface, making it highly slippery .

It is primarily used in powerlifting barbells.

Its extremely strong grip makes it ideal for powerlifters as well as anyone lifting heavy BIG3 weights.

Because of its strong grip, it also has the disadvantage of being prone to injuring your palms, so it is not recommended for people who do not lift weights or handle heavy weights.

2-3-2.Volcano type

Volcano type volcanoes are shaped like volcanoes and have a concave tip.

It has good grip, but you don't have to worry about it piercing your hand as much as with the mountain type.

Volcano-type machines are often used in general commercial gyms, and are recommended for performing a variety of training sessions .

Volcano-shaped barbells are also commonly used in weightlifting and CrossFit.

2-3-3. Hill type

The hill type is characterized by shallow irregularities and being almost flat .

In terms of grip strength, it is inferior to the mountain and volcano types, so it is not recommended for powerlifters or those lifting heavy BIG3 weights.

On the other hand, because it puts less strain on the skin, it is recommended for weightlifting technique training and light weight exercises .

2-4.(4) Shaft mark position

The shaft mark position refers to the knurled part where you grip the shaft.

When choosing a barbell, be sure to check the shaft markings, which serve as a guide for grip width. Since recommendations vary depending on the type of training, please refer to the table below when making your selection.

[Shaft mark position | Recommended specs]

Powerlifting and BIG3 focus	81cm line
Weightlifting	91cm line
Multipurpose	Both marked

The shaft marks are generally located at 81cm and 91cm, but some have marks at both.

The 81cm is designed for powerlifting competitions, and the 91cm is designed for weightlifting competitions.

If you're not an athlete, it's a good idea to choose one that has both marks so you can train in either style .

2-5.(5) Sleeve rotation mechanism

Let's also take a look at the rotating mechanism called the sleeve bearing.

The bearing is an internal device that allows the sleeve of the Olympic shaft to rotate smoothly.

Bearings allow the barbell to rotate smoothly as it lifts the weight plates. This rotation mechanism stabilizes the barbell and allows the lifter to have precise control over the weight.

The recommended specifications for the rotation mechanism vary depending on the type of training, so please refer to the recommended specifications below when choosing a sleeve rotation mechanism.

[Sleeve rotation mechanism | Recommended specifications]

Powerlifting, BIG3 focus, multipurpose	Bushing
Weightlifting	Needle Bearing

Please watch the video below to see the differences in sleeve rotation mechanisms.

2-5-1.Bushing for powerlifting, BIG3, and multi-purpose use

Since powerlifting involves slow, linear movements and does not require smooth rotation, we recommend the "bushings" shown in the image below.

In particular, when training with heavy plates, smooth rotation can result in unstable movements.

If you train with heavy weights or do a variety of exercises, choose bushings.

2-5-2. Needle Bearings for Weightlifting

If you are doing training that requires fast, dynamic movements, such as weightlifting, we recommend a "needle bearing" like the one shown in the image below.

In particular, when athletes perform movements such as snatches, cleans, and jerks while wearing heavy plates, poor rotation can cause the shaft, which serves as the axis, to rotate inside the hand, which could result in injury to the hand.

Therefore, choose a sleeve that uses needle bearings that rotate smoothly.

2-6.(6) Sleeve Style

There are many different types of barbell sleeves available, so it is important to choose the right one for your needs.

There are two main sleeve styles:

[Sleeve style]

style	Ribbed	No ribbing (smooth sleeves)
Features	・The sleeve has a jagged edge. ・The plate does not slide easily.	- The sleeve is not processed. - Plates can be easily replaced.

We will explain the characteristics of each in detail.

2-6-1. Sleeve style: "Ribbed"

style	Ribbed
Features	・The sleeve has a jagged edge. ・The plate does not slide easily.

Ribbing refers to the jagged edge on the sleeve as shown in the image above.

The ribbed surface helps prevent the plate from slipping on the sleeve .

In particular, when a ribbed sleeve is combined with a competition bumper plate, the grooves on the two friction surfaces fit together to prevent the plate from slipping. This combination produces a unique frictional or metallic sound when attaching or detaching the plate, making it easier to notice if the plate has slipped, thus increasing safety.

However, if you use it in a home gym, be aware that it may cause noise problems for your neighbors.

Many barbells sold for weightlifting and CrossFit have this ribbing.

2-6-2. Sleeve style: "No ribbing (smooth sleeve)"

style	No ribbing (smooth sleeves)
Features	- The sleeve is not processed. - Plates can be easily replaced.

Sleeves that are not ribbed (smooth sleeves) have the advantage that plates can be easily replaced.

Since there is little friction noise between the sleeves and plates , it can be used safely in a home gym.

Therefore, it is recommended that general trainees choose this type .

2-7.(7) Surface treatment of sleeve

The sleeve of a barbell is subjected to repeated friction and collision with the plates, so it requires a surface treatment with different characteristics than the shaft.

Please refer to the list below for the types and features of sleeve surface treatments.

[Sleeve surface treatment]

Types of surface treatment	Characteristic	Recommendation
Chrome-plated	- Resistant to friction and collisions with metal - Good sliding - Plates are easy to attach and remove	★★★★ ☆
Stainless steel	・No need to worry about rust or coating peeling	★★★★ ★
zinc plating	- Resistant to friction and collisions with metal - Good slip resistance - Highly corrosion-resistant and rust-resistant	★★ ★ ☆☆

Understand the characteristics of each and choose the one that best suits you.

2-7-1.Chrome plating

Chrome plating is resistant to friction and collisions with metal and has good sliding properties, making it ideal as a surface treatment for the sleeve part where the plate is attached and detached .

Many barbells are chrome plated, which is the most standard surface treatment for sleeves.

This is a recommended surface treatment for any type of training.

2-7-2.Stainless steel

Stainless steel does not have a coating on the surface and has been widely used in high-end products in North America in recent years.

It is more resistant to rust than chrome plating and there is no need to worry about the coating peeling off, making it very easy to maintain and comfortable to use.

However, the price is higher than other products, which can be considered a drawback.

2-7-3.Zinc plating

Like chrome plating, zinc plating is resistant to friction and collisions with metals and has good slip resistance.

Since it is not as hard as chrome plating, it wears out somewhat quickly and may discolor over time .

However, it has stronger corrosion resistance than chrome plating .

2-8. (8) Surface treatment of shaft

Barbells are given a wide variety of surface treatments, and the rust resistance, corrosion resistance, grip strength, etc. can vary greatly depending on the treatment method.

The surface treatments of barbell shafts mainly sold in Japan can be divided into the following six types. We will introduce the characteristics of each type in a list.

[Shaft surface treatment]

Types of surface treatment	Characteristic	Recommendation
Chrome-plated	-Excellent rust prevention, corrosion resistance, and abrasion resistance -Provides moderate grip	★★★★☆
zinc plating	・Excellent corrosion resistance and friction ・Moderate grip ・Discoloration due to aging	★★★☆☆
Nickel plating	- Excellent corrosion resistance - Beautiful gold-like luster and resistant to tarnishing	★★★ ★ ☆
Cerakote	-Highly corrosion-resistant and rust-resistant -Available in a wide range of vibrant and stylish colors	★★★ ★ ☆
Stainless steel	・Excellent rust resistance ・Strong grip ・Easy maintenance	★★★ ★ ★
Black Oxide (dye to black)	・The coating is very thin and easily scratched. ・Corrosion resistance and rust prevention are not high.	★★ ★ ☆☆

The features and price will vary depending on the processing method, so be sure to check carefully and choose the barbell that is best suited to you.

2-8-1.Chrome plating

Chrome plating has a beautiful shine and is resistant to rust and wear . It is the most commonly used coating for barbells and can be considered the standard for barbell coating.

In particular, the rules require that shafts used in weightlifting competitions be chrome plated.

However, there are two types of chrome plating: hard chrome plating and decorative chrome plating. Be careful, as some products have decorative chrome plating, which is less durable .

These types of products may develop rust or peeling plating within a short period of time.

2-8-2.Zinc plating

Zinc plating is superior to chrome plating in terms of corrosion resistance and friction , and among all metal platings it has an especially good grip.

However, it is less wear-resistant than chrome plating, and discoloration due to aging is unavoidable.

Although they are inexpensive, they are highly rust-resistant and are popular because they come in stylish colors such as not only silver but also black and gold.

2-8-3. Nickel plating

Nickel plating has excellent corrosion resistance .

It has a slightly yellowish gold hue, a beautiful luster, and is resistant to tarnishing .

Although it is a little expensive, it has a luxurious feel and is made with high quality processing.

2-8-4. Cerakote

Cerakote is a process in which a coating agent whose main component is ceramic is applied, unlike plating (metal).

Ceramic coated barbells are highly resistant to corrosion and rust, and are characterized by their vibrant colors , and many manufacturers sell them.

However, some manufacturers have poor surface treatment, and some products will peel off easily if rubbed against a J-cup or safety, so be careful.

2-8-5.Stainless steel

Stainless steel barbells are those that have no surface treatment.

Although it is expensive, it is resistant to rust and has strong grip because it has no surface treatment .

In addition, since maintenance is easy , it is recommended for installation in places used by many people, such as commercial gyms.

2-8-6.Black oxide (black dye)

Black oxide is a processing method in which the object is immersed in an alkaline aqueous solution to cause a chemical reaction, producing a black oxide coating on the metal surface.

When we say black dyeing, we imagine dyeing something black with paint, but by intentionally allowing the surface to rust, we are preventing the rust from progressing any further.

Black oxide does not have very high antiseptic or rust-resistant properties because the coating is thin , but it has the advantage of being inexpensive because it is processed at a low cost.

2-9.(9) Tensile strength

Finally, check the tensile strength. For tensile strength, choose a barbell with a minimum of 190K PSI .

[Tensile strength | Recommended specs]

Tensile strength

Over 190K PSI

Tensile strength is one of the values ​​that indicates the strength of a material, and refers to the maximum tensile stress that a material can withstand before breaking when a tensile load is applied to it.

Simply put, when a barbell is bent under load, if the limit is exceeded, it will no longer be able to return to its original shape, and if further load is applied, it will break. The value just before this break is the tensile strength .

The higher the tensile strength, the more resistant the barbell is to breaking, but humans never train with weights that are so heavy that they would break the barbell.

Therefore, barbells with a PSI of 190K or higher, which are sold by many commercial manufacturers, can be used safely by anyone, whether in a home gym or commercial office.

3. [Professionals' Selection] 8 Recommended Barbells

So far we have explained how to choose a barbell and the points to check when choosing one, but from here on we will introduce the barbells that we specifically recommend on this site.

We will introduce them according to their intended use, so please use this as a reference when choosing a barbell that suits you based on your training type and purpose.

[Recommended barbells by purpose]

For those who train mainly on the BIG3

・REP Fitness | Delta Basic Bar ・REP Fitness | Double Black Diamond Power Bar

For those installing in commercial gyms, school facilities, etc.

・REP Fitness｜Colorado Bar ・IVANKO｜Standard Olympic Bar 20kg

For powerlifters

・REP Fitness | Double Black Diamond Power Bar ・ELEIKO | IPF Stainless Powerlifting Training Bar

For weightlifters

・REP Fitness | Mesa Technique Bar ・ELEIKO | Weightlifting Training Bar

Please check the recommended products for each purpose by clicking on the link.

3-1. For those who train mainly on the BIG3

The following two products are recommended for those who focus on training the BIG3.

[For those who focus on training the BIG3]

・REP Fitness | Delta Basic Bar ・REP Fitness | Double Black Diamond Power Bar

We will introduce the features and specifications of each product in detail.

3-1-1.REP Fitness | Delta Basic Bar

Source: Amazon

[Specification details]

kinds	Olympic Shaft
Shaft diameter	29mm
Knurling	Volcano type
Shaft mark position	Both 81cm and 91cm
Sleeve rotation mechanism	Bushing
price	32,900 yen (tax included)

REP Fitness' Delta Basic Bar is recommended for those who focus on training the BIG3 .

It is also ideal for powerlifting because of its slow rotation and strong brass bushing sleeves.

The knurling is volcano shaped, so it provides a good grip without hurting your hands.

It is also a basic barbell, so it is recommended for those who want to do general training.

[Amazon customer reviews] ★★★★★ I was a little worried about the maximum weight it could handle, but when I tried lifting 160kg it felt just as good as other expensive barbells.

See details on Amazon

3-1-2.REP Fitness | Double Black Diamond Power Bar

Source: Amazon

[Specification details]

kinds	Olympic Shaft
Shaft diameter	29mm
Knurling	Mountain type
Shaft mark position	81cm
Sleeve rotation mechanism	Bushing
price	51,800 yen (tax included)

The REP Fitness Double Black Diamond Power Bar is a premium powerlifting barbell with finely knurled edges.

This is the perfect barbell for training with the BIG3 in mind .

The shaft is available in two types: Cerakote or stainless steel, which are highly resistant to corrosion and rust.

[Amazon customer reviews] ★★★★★ Stainless steel feels hard, has little flex, and seems to have no flex loss. The knurling grips the grip to prevent slipping. It doesn't hurt. The previous Irontec I used would slip easily when I was doing deadlifts, so this is a great help. ★★★★★ The rolled up was as intense and amazing as I expected! I had been using a multi-purpose barbell from another company, and when I got sweaty on the bench, it would always slip a little, but with this grater-like knurling, it didn't slip at all until the end. I was worried that it would be milder than stainless steel because it is Cerakote-coated, but my fears were unfounded. ★★★★★ This is the coolest looking barbell I've ever seen. The engraving on the end caps and sleeves is super cool. The knurling is fine like that of an American barbell, and the grip feeling was also similar to that of an American barbell.

See details on Amazon

3-2. For those who will be installing it in commercial gyms, school facilities, etc.

The following two barbells are recommended for multi-purpose use in commercial gyms, school facilities, etc.

[For those installing in commercial gyms, school facilities, etc.]

・REP Fitness｜Colorado Bar ・IVANKO｜Standard Olympic Bar 20kg

We will introduce the features and specifications of each product in detail.

3-2-1.REP Fitness | Colorado Bar

Source: Amazon

[Specification details]

kinds	Olympic Shaft
Shaft diameter	28.5 mm
Knurling	Volcano type
Shaft mark position	Both 81cm and 91cm
Sleeve rotation mechanism	Bushing
price	57,300 yen (tax included)

The REP Fitness Colorado Bar is a versatile barbell that can be used for any multi-purpose training including powerlifting, weightlifting, CrossFit, and more .

The sleeve uses a composite bushing, which makes it extremely quiet when dropped and allows for smooth rotation.

The shaft is available in two finishes: Cerakote or Hard Chrome, which provides excellent corrosion and rust resistance.

[Amazon customer reviews] ★★★★★ At first glance, I thought the knurling was a little harsh, but it wasn't too aggressive and had just the right amount of grip. I also liked the unique and cute end cap design. ★★★★★ What I like most about it is how quiet it is. Quietness is a very important factor when building a gym in Japan, so this technology is very welcome. The end caps and sleeves are intricately crafted, satisfying your desire to own it. The training will be much more exciting.

See details on Amazon

3-2-2.IVANKO | Standard Olympic Bar 20kg

Source: Fitness Shop

[Specification details]

kinds	Olympic Shaft
Shaft diameter	28mm
Knurling	Volcano type
Shaft mark position	Both 81cm and 91cm
Sleeve rotation mechanism	Bushing
price	63,800 yen (tax included)

IVANKO barbells have a proven track record of being introduced in fitness clubs around the world.

The 20kg standard bar has specifications that make it suitable for a variety of training exercises , so it is recommended for multi-purpose use in commercial gyms, school facilities, etc.

View details

3-3. For powerlifters

Here are two barbells that are recommended for powerlifters:

[For powerlifters]

・REP Fitness | Double Black Diamond Power Bar ・ELEIKO | IPF Stainless Powerlifting Training Bar

We will introduce the features and specifications of each product in detail.

3-3-1.REP Fitness | Double Black Diamond Power Bar

Source: Amazon

[Specification details]

kinds	Olympic Shaft
Shaft diameter	29mm
Knurling	Mountain type
Shaft mark position	81cm
Sleeve rotation mechanism	Bushing
price	51,800 yen (tax included)

The REP Fitness Double Black Diamond Power Bar is a premium powerlifting barbell with finely knurled edges.

This is the barbell of choice for powerlifters .

The shaft is available in two types: Cerakote or stainless steel, which are highly resistant to corrosion and rust.

[Amazon customer reviews] ★★★★★ Stainless steel feels hard, has little flex, and seems to have no flex loss. The knurling grips the grip to prevent slipping. It doesn't hurt. The previous Irontec I used would slip easily when I was doing deadlifts, so this is a great help. ★★★★★ The rolled up was as intense and amazing as I expected! I had been using a multi-purpose barbell from another company, and when I got sweaty on the bench, it would always slip a little, but with this grater-like knurling, it didn't slip at all until the end. I was worried that it would be milder than stainless steel because it is Cerakote-coated, but my fears were unfounded. ★★★★★ This is the coolest looking barbell I've ever seen. The engraving on the end caps and sleeves is super cool. The knurling is fine like that of an American barbell, and the grip feeling was also similar to that of an American barbell.

See details on Amazon

3-3-2.ELEIKO | IPF Stainless Powerlifting Training Bar

Source: MBC POWER

[Specification details]

kinds	Olympic Shaft
Shaft diameter	29mm
Knurling	Mountain type
Shaft mark position	81cm
Sleeve rotation mechanism	Bushing
price	196,100 yen (tax included)

ELEIKO is the world's leading brand of free weight equipment, based in Sweden.

Many of our products have a long history of use in international competitions such as Olympic weightlifting and powerlifting, and are recommended by the most discerning athletes.

The IPF Stainless Powerlifting Training Bar meets the global standard for powerlifting barbells. The highest quality Swedish stainless steel shaft provides excellent grip and corrosion resistance, making it the best powerlifting bar in the world .

[Reviews] ★★★★★ The uneven slopes of the anti-slip surface are also treated with an anti-slip coating, providing an unparalleled grip feeling. I own several stainless steel barbells from other manufacturers, and I think this is the best barbell for powerlifting.

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3-4. For weightlifters

Here are two barbells we recommend for competitive weightlifters:

[For weightlifters]

・REP Fitness | Mesa Technique Bar ・ELEIKO | Weightlifting Training Bar

We will introduce the features and specifications of each product in detail.

3-4-1.REP Fitness | Mesa Technique Bar

Source: Amazon

[Specification details]

kinds	Olympic Shaft
Shaft diameter	28mm
Knurling	Hill type
Shaft mark position	Both 81cm and 91cm
Sleeve rotation mechanism	Bushing
price	29,900 yen (tax included)

The Masa Technique Bar is a training bar made for beginners, perfect for learning proper lifting technique .

The knurling is hill-shaped and lightly textured, providing ample grip for low-weight exercises.

The bar is compatible with standard 50mm diameter plates and has ribbed sleeves to help keep plates in place during explosive training.

[Amazon customer reviews] ★★★★★ I was looking for a light barbell as a beginner and bought this one. It has some bumps and is very easy to grip. It is also easy to use as it has marks on the grip positions.

See details on Amazon

3-4-2.ELEIKO | Weightlifting Training Bar

Source: MBC POWER

[Specification details]

kinds	Olympic Shaft
Shaft diameter	20mm
Knurling	Hill type
Shaft mark position	91cm
Sleeve rotation mechanism	Needle Bearing
price	213,100 yen (tax included)

ELEIKO is the world's leading brand of free weight equipment, based in Sweden.

The Weightlifting Training Bar is an International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) approved product designed specifically for Olympic weightlifting training and is used by the highest level lifters in training facilities and gyms around the world.

The Weightlifting Training Bar provides the same feel and performance as the Weightlifting Competition Bar.

The mild knurling makes the bar gentler on the skin and better suited for higher volume lifting.

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summary

In this article, we have explained in detail about the recommended barbells. Let's summarize at the end.

When choosing a barbell, it is important to choose one based on your purpose and the type of training you will be doing .

Here's how to choose a barbell based on your purpose:

[How to choose a barbell according to your purpose]

spec	Powerlifting BIG3 Center	Weightlifting	Multipurpose
Shaft diameter	29mm	28mm	28.5 mm
Knurling	Mountain type	Volcano type Hill type	Volcano type Hill type
Shaft mark position	81cm line	91cm line	Both marked
Sleeve rotation mechanism	Bushing	Needle Bearing	Bushing

When choosing a barbell, be sure to check the following nine points.

[Points to check when choosing a barbell]

(1) Types of barbells (2) Shaft diameter (3) Knurling (4) Shaft mark position (5) Sleeve rotation mechanism (6) Sleeve style (7) Sleeve surface treatment (8) Shaft surface treatment (9) Tensile strength

When you search for barbells on a shopping site, you will find many manufacturers and products, and many people will not know which one to choose.

If you buy something because it's cheap or has good reviews, there are many cases where it doesn't suit you and you end up with a failure.

To avoid this, make sure you understand the checkpoints and choose a barbell that suits you.

I hope this article will help those of you who are having trouble choosing a barbell.

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