Men's or women's barbell?

CakeFit21
CakeFit21 Posts: 2,521 Member
I'm looking to purchase a barbell that my husband and I can both use at home. Is it better to buy a women's bar to fit my grip or a men's bar to fit his? I have used a men's bar and don't really feel like it's a huge deal, but I do have small hands, (I'm 5ft tall) and wonder over time if it's better to have a smaller one and let him make the adjustments. Should we each have our own? ($$$)

Right now I'm looking at the Rogue website because that's the only name I know in barbells. I am open to other suggestions though. I want want one that uses bumpers and we will be using it for oly lifts and crossfit style WOD's. Don't know if that is relevant.

Replies

  • Elizabeth_C34
    Elizabeth_C34 Posts: 6,376 Member
    I'd just get the men's bar. I find it hard to grip the women's bar, and I have small hands also. I just don't hold onto it as well.
  • ironanimal
    ironanimal Posts: 5,922 Member
    All I will tell you is I really struggle for grip on the non-olympic bars at my gym because the grip section is that much thinner. You should probably ask him if he knows if it will affect him.
  • AlsDonkBoxSquat
    AlsDonkBoxSquat Posts: 6,128 Member
    I didn't know that they make Olympic bars in mens and womens versions.
  • taso42
    taso42 Posts: 8,980 Member
    My gut says to go with the men's bar as I think it's more standard. I guess ideally it would be nice if you try them out side by side and decide.
  • HeidiMightyRawr
    HeidiMightyRawr Posts: 3,343 Member
    I would get the men's bar. For a start I think it will be easier for you to adjust to the mens, than your husband to a women's, and it would probably be very expensive to get both.

    Plus I see so reason for the female really, my hands aren't that big either and I've never had an issue with the mens :smile:
  • Natx83
    Natx83 Posts: 1,298 Member
    Im not sure but the smaller bar might feel as if it's cutting a bit more in the hands/shoulders as there is less surface area, once you get to heavy stuff?
  • CakeFit21
    CakeFit21 Posts: 2,521 Member
    Thanks guys.
  • ilovedeadlifts
    ilovedeadlifts Posts: 2,923 Member
    Get a "texas power bar".
    Gonna be the best barbell for the money and it will last you forever.

    stick with a standard bar, instead of a "womens". I wasn't even aware they made them for women.
  • TheDevastator
    TheDevastator Posts: 1,626 Member
    I've read that the Burgener & Rippetoe Men's Bar is one of the best multipurpose powerlifting and Olympic weightlifting bars for the money(Men's $295, Women's $285).

    http://www.roguefitness.com/burgener-ripptoe-bar.php
  • mideon_696
    mideon_696 Posts: 770 Member
    men's or women's bar? never knew you could get those?

    to me there is just the olympic bar. :p
  • taso42
    taso42 Posts: 8,980 Member
    I've read that the Burgener & Rippetoe Men's Bar is one of the best multipurpose powerlifting and Olympic weightlifting bars for the money(Men's $295, Women's $285).

    http://www.roguefitness.com/burgener-ripptoe-bar.php

    that's probably the one i'll be getting some day. currently my cheapo one is working fine though.
  • mideon_696
    mideon_696 Posts: 770 Member
    so cheap....

    wonder if i could get that price here is Aussie land.

    get farking ripped off with everything here compared to the yanks!!
    usually double. WTF. even stuff we make here!!!