FitBiz Mastery
Are you looking to get the best barbells for your home gym? We got you covered! Building a home gym is a great way to get that workout at your convenience. No hassle of fighting traffic or having the risk of some kid curling in the squat rack. Now you’ll have your own rack to curl in. The barbell is one of the most important pieces of equipment since you will be using it for an array of exercises. So it’s best to invest in a high quality barbell. This can make a huge impact in your training.
With so many options out there it can be hard to select the right one. That is why we put this guide together to help you choose the best barbells for your home gym. We’ll cover everything from types of barbells and what key features you should look for in those barbells. So, let’s dive in and find the best barbell for your home gym!
What Types of barbells do we look for?
When it comes to barbells there are four main types of barbells we look for. They are identified as such:
- Olympic Barbell: This is the king standard in the barbell world. This is what you’ll typically see at a conventional gym or specialty gym. They are 7 feet long and weighs 45lbs. They are designed to handle heavy lifting exercises like the prime ones, squat, deadlifts and bench presses. They are equipped with a rotating sleeve that allows the weights to spin freely, which actually helps reduce stress to your wrists and elbows. This Olympic barbell is built to last. I have been to plenty of gyms that the barbells are older than the gym itself! Definitely worth the investment.
- Standard Barbell: These barbells are shorter and lighter and lighter than Olympic barbells. They are usually around 5 to 6 feet long and weighs around 15lbs to 25lbs. These are a great option for those who just stepping into the weightlifting game and wants to optimize their space as well. I like to call them techniques barbells. If your learning a new movement pattern or trying to prefect form. Then these will be a great tool, especially for beginners.
- Specialty Barbell: These barbells are designed for specific lifts. Examples of theses are Trap bars for deadlifts , EZ-Curl bars and Safety Squat bars. They are a great investments in helping target certain muscles and certain lifting techniques.
What 4 things we look for when choosing a Barbell?
When we choose the best barbells on this list, here are the 4 things we grade them on:
- Durability: A high quality barbell should be built to last! A sturdy frame that can withstand heavy use and abuse over times. these barbells should be made from high-grade steel with a durable finish as well has the weight capacity to hold those big weights you’ll be moving.
- Knurling: The knurling on the barbell refers to the rough, textured pattern on the grip area that helps you maintain a secure hold on it. We look for a barbell with consistent , well-defined knurling area that provides enough grip while not being too abrasive.
- Spin: The sleeves on the barbell should spin and move freely. This allows the weights plates to rotate as your lift. This helps reduce stress on your wrists and elbows. We look for barbells that have high quality bearings and bushings so it can provide a smooth rotation.
- Whip: The barbell whip refers to the amount of flex or bounce it has when you lift it. A barbell with too much bounce can be difficult to control. Likewise if it has not enough bounce, it can be stiff and uncomfortable. Finding a right barbell that will match your lifts will help you choose the right barbell.
Now without further ado, here are the best barbells for your home gym in 2023.
1. The OHIO BAR By Rogue Fitness
Home gym fans frequently choose The Ohio Bar by Rogue Fitness, and for good reason. Below is an assessment of the Ohio Bar utilizing those four criteria to gauge how well it performed:
Durability rating: 5/5
With a 190,000 PSI steel shaft tensile strength and a tough black zinc or stainless steel finish, the Ohio Bar is made to last. In addition, the bar has a lifetime warranty, which attests to its dependability and longevity over the long term.
Knurling rating: 4.5/5
The Ohio Bar has outstanding grip without being too harsh on your hands thanks to its constant and well-defined knurl design. The knurling is deep enough to offer a firm grip but not so severe that it rips your hands apart.
Spin rating: 4.5/5
The Ohio Bar has top-notch bushings that offer a constant, smooth spin. The spin is constant throughout the range of motion, and the sleeves freely revolve, making it simple to load and unload weight plates
Whip rating: 4.5/5
The moderate amount of whip on the Ohio Bar feels cozy and responsive during lifts. It’s not too flexible, but it’s also not too rigid that it makes you feel unsteady. As a result, it makes for a fantastic all-purpose barbell for a range of lifts and motions.
Final rating: 4.5/5
Overall, the Ohio Bar by Rogue Fitness is a great option for a barbell for a home gym. It offers mild whip that feels wonderful during lifts, has a pleasant and stable grip, and is highly sturdy.
2. CAP Barbell – The Boss
The Boss is apart of the CAP Barbell series. This is one out of seven and we rank high as of terms of loading the bar up for heavy lifting. With over 4,000 people giving it 4.7 out of 5 stars, it’s a great bar among shoppers. Let’s break down our rating for this bar.
Durability Rating: 5/5
With a 1,500-pound weight capacity and a tough structure that can withstand repeated heavy use, The Beast lives up to its name. The bar has a 5-year warranty and is composed of premium steel with a black phosphate coating that prevents rust and corrosion.
Knurling Rating: 4.5/5
The Beast’s thick and assertive knurl pattern ensures a stable hold even during difficult lifts. The knurling may be too harsh for certain users, but it’s ideal for those who like a more forceful grip.
Spin Rating: 4.5/5
Weight plate loading and unloading are made simple by the Beast’s high-quality bushings, which offer a smooth and constant spin. The spin is constant across the whole range of motion, and the sleeves can freely rotate.
Whip Rating: 4.5/5
The Beast’s moderate whip is responsive and comfortable to use during lifts. It’s a terrific all-around barbell for a range of exercises because it’s neither too rigid nor too flexible.
Final Rating: 4.5/5
In general, CAP Barbell The Boss is a good option for a barbell for your home gym, especially if you want one that can handle big weights. It has a strong structure that is highly durable, a large weight capacity, and knurling that offers a firm hold for even the hardest exercises. While some might find the knurling too aggressive, it more a matter of personal preference. Overall it is a great barbell at it’s price point!
3. THE BELLA BAR 2.0
The Bella Bar is a Women’s barbell that has been a staple in women’s training and weightlifting. This upgraded version added a polymer-ceramic composite coating. This is used greatly in the gun industry to help with durability on thinner items. With over 300 people giving this a close to perfect review let’s dive into the rating on this Barbell!
Durability Rating: 5/5
With a 190,000 PSI tensile strength steel shaft and a tough bright zinc coating that prevents rust and corrosion, the Bella Bar 2.0 is made to last. In addition, the bar has a lifetime warranty, which attests to its dependability and longevity over the long term.
Knurling Rating:4.5/5
A firm grip is provided by the Bella Bar 2.0’s smooth and constant knurl design, which is not too harsh on your hands. The knurling is deep enough to offer a secure grip, yet it’s not too sharp that it rips your hands apart.
Spin Rating: 4/5
The Bella Bar 2.0 has premium bushings that offer a constant, smooth spin. Weight plates may be loaded and unloaded easily thanks to the sleeves’ free rotation, and the spin is consistent throughout the range of motion. Although it could slightly smoother.
Whip Rating: 4.5/5
The moderate amount of whip in the Bella Bar 2.0 feels cozy and responsive during lifts. It’s not too flexible, but it’s also not too rigid that it makes you feel unsteady. As a result, it makes for a fantastic all-purpose barbell for a range of lifts and motions.
Final Rating: 4.3/5
Overall, especially for ladies or people with smaller hands, The Bella Bar 2.0 from Rogue Fitness is a great option for a home gym barbell. It features a lifetime warranty, a pleasant and solid grip, and is highly sturdy. Even if the spin could be a little bit smoother, it’s still a top-notch barbell that’s well worth the money.
4. Synergee Regional Olympic Barbell
The Synergee Barbells can be a great addition to your home gym, and we especially recommend it as a starter barbell that you can really beat up. They offer a 20kg men bar and a 15kg women’s bar. Over 1,000 have rated this bar an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Now let’s dive into our rating.
Durability Rating: 5/5
A heavy-duty bar that can support a lot of weight is the Synergee Regional Olympic 20kg Barbell. It is made of solid steel and has a chrome finish that prevents rust and corrosion. It has a 1,500 pound weight capacity.
Knurling Rating: 3.5/5
This barbell comes with knurling that uniform throughout the bar. a cool feature is the dual knurling marks for that lines up for different lifts. But, the knurling is rather soft. It won’t be too aggressive so it will be easier on your hands. But as soon you starting loading up the weight, you may have to use some chalk to help with your grip.
Spin Rating: 4.5/5
The Synergee Regional Olympic 20kg Barbell has top-notch bushings that offer a constant, smooth spin. The spin is constant throughout the range of motion, and the sleeves freely revolve, making it simple to load and unload weight plates.
Whip Rating: 4.5/5
The Synergee Regional Olympic 20kg Barbell offers a light to medium amount of whip that is responsive and comfortable to use during lifts. It’s a terrific all-around barbell for a range of exercises because it’s neither too rigid nor too flexible.
Finial Rating: 3.9/5
Overall, the Synergee Regional Olympic 20kg Barbell is a terrific option for a home gym barbell. It’s durable and has a very strong, pleasant whip. Although the knurling is pretty soft it is still a great barbell for the price.
Share your experience!
We would love to hear from you and your personal experiences with these Barbells!
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